An unidentified Tulare County Sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Thursday morning near Grant Avenue and Newcomb Street in Porterville, Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said.

Boudreaux said during a 2 p.m. news conference that the deputy, a detective, died at Sierra View Hospital in Porterville at 11:57 a.m.

He declined to identify the deputy but said that he is married, has children, and his wife is four months’ pregnant.

“Senseless Attack’

“Multiple rounds were fired and one of our officers was struck,” said Boudreaux, who described the assailant’s weapon as a “high-powered rifle.”

Said Boudreaux: “This is senseless. … Attacks of this nature on law enforcement must stop.”

Boudreaux said that slain detective was responding to reports of gunfire at the address, where two civil detectives serving an eviction notice were shot at.

After being taken to Sierra View, his injuries were too severe to be transported to another hospital, Boudreaux said.

At about 3:45 p.m., an honor escort took the deputy’s body the approximately 25 miles to the coroner’s office, according to ABC 30.

Boudreaux met with the family of the slain deputy, offering to them his “deepest condolences,” according to a statement from the department.

“All of us at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office are shocked and incredibly saddened by today’s tragic events,” the statement read. “We ask that you keep our Deputy’s grieving family in your prayers.”

Suspect Barricaded in House

At about 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, law enforcement served an eviction notice to suspect David Morales’ home. Boudreaux said Morales was expecting those officers and opened fire on them.

Within five minutes, multiple agencies responded to the chaotic scene, including Porterville, Tulare, and Visalia police, and the California Highway Patrol, Boudreaux said.

Gunfire erupted again about 15 minutes after that and it was then that the deputy was struck.

As of 4 p.m., Morales is still barricaded within his home and law enforcement is working with the suspect’s family to get him to come out.

“We are talking with family who are trying to talk him out of the house,” Boudreaux said.

A Facebook site, The Tulare Stringer, reported that it was the first time a Tulare County law enforcement officer had been killed in the line of duty since detective Kent Haws was shot to death in 2007.

Boudreaux identified the suspect as Morales, born in 1966.

The sheriff said that the homicide suspect is “known” to law enforcement in Porterville and other parts of Tulare County, but he didn’t have details about his criminal history.

Shelter in Place

Boudreaux said that all schools in the vicinity were on lockdown and assured parents that their children were safe.

Law enforcement evacuated the neighborhood. Boudreaux urged residents to avoid the area and follow the commands of officers who have saturated the area. Parents with children at schools in the area should consult officials at those schools for how to pick up children.

ABC 30 reported that Sierra Middle School will not release children unless parents come to pick them up.

The Catholic Diocese of Fresno has two churches and a school in Porterville. Those schools were put on lockdown and the church has made facilities available for law enforcement staging.

Bishop Joseph Brennan asked for prayers of peace.

“May our Lord’s mercy be with us as we continue to work toward safer and more peaceful communities,” a statement read.

‘A Tragic Day in the Valley,’ Says Fresno Mayor

Before he became mayor of Fresno, Jerry Dyer served decades in the city’s police department, eventually rising to chief.

“Today is a tragic day in the Central Valley. A Tulare County Sheriff’s deputy was taken from us in a senseless act of violence while serving and protecting his community,” Dyer said in a statement sent to GV Wire.

“This loss goes far beyond one department — it’s felt across all law enforcement and throughout our Valley.”

Dyer said that he is praying for the deputy’s family and that his heart is with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office “and all those who serve.”

Added Dyer: “The result has left a pregnant wife without her husband, and young children to grow up without their father. The reality of this loss is truly heartbreaking. … We are devastated by this loss.”

(GV Wire’s Edward Smith contributed to this article.)