Tulare County Deputy Fatally Shot While Serving Eviction Notice in Porterville

A Tulare County sheriff's deputy was fatally shot Thursday morning in Porterville while serving an eviction notice. Sheriff Mike Boudreaux confirmed that the deputy was pronounced dead at 11:20 a.m. at Sierra Vista Hospital.

The incident occurred on Brian Lane, near Pioneer Avenue and Newcomb Street, where deputies were serving the notice when a 60-year-old man opened fire. The suspect remains barricaded inside the residence, and authorities believe he is armed with a rifle. Sheriff Boudreaux stated that the suspect had failed to pay rent for 35 days and was expecting law enforcement to serve the final eviction notice.

Residents in the area have been advised to shelter in place, and nearby schools are on lockdown as a precaution. SWAT teams are clearing adjacent homes, and the situation is considered extremely dangerous.

The Porterville Police Department is handling the ongoing investigation.