'He shot and killed one of my friends': Tulare Co. Sheriff Mike Boudreaux speaks on deputy's death

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux sat down with Action News one day after one of his deputies was shot and killed in the line of duty.

"He shot and killed one of my friends," Boudreaux said. "Because he lost his life, I don't have any sympathy for him. My sympathy and compassion go to the wife."

It began Thursday morning when deputies arrived to serve David Morales with a final eviction notice. He then opened fire, prompting the deputies to call for help.

Detective Hoppert responded to their call.

RELATED: Deputy killed in Porterville shooting, suspect also dead, Tulare County sheriff says

"Porterville shots, shots high-powered rifle, the subject (pause) standby for description," law enforcement said over their radios.

"[Hoppert] is already at Sierra View," another official said.

On Friday, the Tulare County Sheriff's Office erected a tribute to the fallen deputy.

Hoppert, a Navy veteran, leaves behind his mother and sister, two sons, and a wife who is four months pregnant.

RELATED: Procession honors Tulare County Sheriff's deputy killed in the line of duty

"We have 34 officers that are on administrative leave today, not because anybody did anything wrong, but we want them to receive counseling," Sheriff Mike Boudreaux told Action News.

FULL INTERVIEW: Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux speaks out one day after one of his deputies was shot and killed in the line of duty.

Sheriff Boudreaux was on scene during the standoff, watching live feeds from the armored vehicles, the drones, and a plane.

Action News has learned that during the standoff, Morales' brother was texting with him and relaying those messages to law enforcement in real time.

"He said that he was not going to go peacefully, and his intentions were to kill as many police officers as he could," Sheriff Boudreaux said. "He was on a mission."

After seven hours of terror, word of Morales' death played out publicly as Sheriff Boudreaux addressed the media.

"You picked up the phone from your undersheriff. I'm curious, what did he tell you?" Action News asked.

"He said the situation resolved," Sheriff Boudreaux said. "'We ran over him, and he's no longer a threat.'"

Officers later made their way inside the home, where they found more guns.

Morales did not have a criminal history, although public records show multiple bankruptcies. A neighbor says Morales' home was in foreclosure.

"We'll be looking at his financial records," Sheriff Boudreaux said. "We're wanting answers, right? We want to know, 'Why did you do this? What was the reason behind it?'"

With the investigation underway, Sheriff Boudreaux is vowing not to forget his fallen deputy, his friend.

"People go on with their lives, but this family is going to be grieving for some time to come, and that's where my heart goes," Sheriff Boudreaux said.

He has heard from state and federal leaders, including FBI Director Kash Patel, who reached out to offer his support.

For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.