A Tulare County Sheriff’s Office deputy has died after being shot while assisting with an eviction in Porterville, Calif. The suspect, identified as David Morales, is now at the center of an active manhunt as law enforcement searches across the area.
The incident happened Thursday morning at about 10:20 a.m. in the 1700 block of West Brian Avenue, near Newcomb Street and Grand Avenue. Officers were on scene carrying out an eviction service when the situation turned violent.
Authorities say a confrontation broke out during the eviction process. In the middle of the dispute, gunfire erupted, and a deputy was struck. The attack quickly escalated a routine civil enforcement call into a deadly shooting.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and transported the injured deputy to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was later pronounced dead, according to officials.
Investigators say the suspect, David Morales, did not stop after the initial shooting. He allegedly continued firing at deputies as the situation unfolded before fleeing the scene, making the response even more dangerous for law enforcement on the ground.
As the search expanded, officials ordered residents in nearby neighborhoods to shelter in place. Several roads were shut down, and nearby schools went into lockdown as a precaution while officers secured the area.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, along with assisting agencies, continues to search for Morales. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate him as the investigation remains active and ongoing.
