Crime
David Morales, Suspect in Tulare County Deputy Shooting Killed After Being Struck by SWAT Vehicle
PORTERVILLE, Calif. — The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has identified the deputy killed in a line-of-duty shooting Thursday morning as 35-year-old Randy Hoppert, a six-year veteran of the department.
Authorities also confirmed that the suspect involved in the deadly confrontation is now deceased.
According to Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, the incident began at approximately 10:20 a.m. on April 9, 2026, when deputies were serving an eviction notice in the area of Newcomb Street and Grand Avenue.
During the process, the suspect, identified as 59-year-old David Morales, opened fire on deputies, striking Deputy Hoppert.
Fellow deputies immediately initiated a tactical rescue under active gunfire conditions and transported Hoppert to a nearby hospital. Despite emergency medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.
The situation escalated into a prolonged and highly volatile standoff, with Morales reportedly barricaded and armed with a high-powered rifle.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including SWAT teams, responded to the scene, securing the area and evacuating nearby homes.
Residents were ordered to shelter in place, and several schools—including Westfield Elementary, Sequoia Middle School, and Monache High School—were placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Later that evening, shortly before 6:00 p.m., Sheriff Boudreaux announced that the suspect, David Morales, was killed during the operation.
According to officials, Morales was struck and killed by a law enforcement vehicle operated by deputies utilizing a Kern County Sheriff’s Office SWAT vehicle amid the ongoing response.
Deputy Hoppert is remembered as a dedicated public servant, as well as a devoted husband and father.
He is survived by his wife, Ashley, their two sons, Austin and Everett, along with his mother and sister.
Sheriff Boudreaux stated that he has met with the deputy’s family and expressed his deepest condolences, as the department and community grapple with the loss.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office described the events as a tragic and devastating day for all involved.
Community members and fellow officers have begun honoring Deputy Hoppert’s service and sacrifice, while continuing to offer support and prayers to his grieving family.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities review the full sequence of events surrounding the deadly encounter.
Crime
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.