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
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.