Cellphone Video Captures Gunfire in Deputy-Involved Shooting During Warrant Service

Tulare County Sheriff Boudreaux confirmed a deputy was killed Thursday during a shooting in Porterville. The incident occurred while deputies served a search warrant near Newcomb and Grand. The suspect, identified as David Morales, remains barricaded in a nearby home.

Shooting details

The exchange began about 10:20 a.m. on April 9, 2026. Deputies say Morales opened fire with a high-powered rifle as officers executed the warrant. Responding deputies returned fire while the suspect continued shooting.

The wounded deputy was pulled from the scene and taken to a hospital. He was pronounced dead at 11:20 a.m., Sheriff Boudreaux said during a news conference.

Recorded evidence

Cellphone Video Captures Gunfire in Deputy-Involved Shooting During Warrant Service, and footage shared with Filmogaz.com shows the moment shots were fired. The video was provided by a local viewer. Authorities are collecting that material as part of the investigation.

Law enforcement response

Multiple agencies joined the response. Porterville and Farmersville police assisted alongside Tulare County deputies. The California Highway Patrol deployed an aerial unit, while Bakersfield and Visalia SWAT teams provided support.

Sheriff Boudreaux said the deputy who died was not on the eviction team. He had responded to assist officers at the warrant location.

Community impact and safety measures

Schools near the scene were placed under shelter-in-place. Monache High School, Oak Grove Elementary, Sequoia Middle School, and Lombardi Elementary were affected. Officials assured parents that students were safe and asked the public to avoid the area until further notice.

Next steps

The suspect remains barricaded and under investigation. Authorities continue to secure the perimeter and gather evidence. Sheriff Boudreaux said detectives will release additional details as they become available.