Two police officers were shot and killed, and another law enforcement officer was injured in a domestic disturbance incident in Tremonton, Utah, on Sunday night, August 17, 2025. The officers were identified as Sergeant Lee Sorensen, 56, and Officer Eric Estrada, 31, both serving with the Tremonton-Garland Police Department.
The situation began at 9:02 p.m. when multiple 911 hang-up calls were received by the Box Elder County Communications Center from a residence at 705 N. 200 East. An officer arrived 16 minutes later to investigate the reported domestic disturbance. As the officer interacted with a resident, a man emerged from the house armed with a high-powered rifle.
Police reports indicate the armed individual opened fire on the first officer, resulting in his death. The second Tremonton-Garland officer who arrived for support was also shot and killed by the suspect. A Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy, Mike Allred, along with his police dog, Azula, arrived for backup and were shot while still in their patrol vehicle. Tremonton Mayor Lyle Holmgren stated the suspect aimed to “cause harm to as many police officers and public servants as possible.”
Brigham City Police Detective Crystal Beck stated that officers had requested additional units before communication was lost.
The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Ryan Michael Bate, fired multiple shots into Deputy Allred’s vehicle, penetrating the rear compartment where the police dog was located. Both the deputy and the K-9 suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Deputy Allred received medical treatment and was released from the hospital on Monday morning. Azula, the police dog, was treated at a veterinary clinic and is expected to survive, though she remained under observation overnight.
The shooting incident concluded when bystanders persuaded Bate to lay down his weapon, allowing responding officers to take him into custody without further conflict. A SWAT team cleared the residence to ensure no further threats were present.
Investigations revealed that prior to the arrival of the police, Bate had physically assaulted his wife by striking her head against a door frame. Initially held at the Box Elder County jail on aggravated murder charges, he has since been transferred to the Weber County jail, where the Weber County Attorney’s Office will oversee the homicide investigation. On August 21, prosecutors announced that Bate faces 20 charges, including two counts of capital murder, and that they will seek the death penalty. He is being held without bail.
Sergeant Sorensen, who was recently promoted and due to be sworn into his new role on Friday, served 17 years in law enforcement, with 16 of those years at the Garland Police Department. He was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the Tremonton Fire Department in February for his commitment and professionalism. In 2020, he and his wife Lanette were recipients of Garland’s Wheelon Award for their positive impact on the city. He is survived by his family.
Officer Estrada began his law enforcement career in 2017 with the Logan Police Department, later moving to the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked in jail operations and patrol duties. He then served as a patrol officer and detective with the North Park Police Department before rejoining the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office. Earlier in 2025, he became a line officer and community outreach team member with the Tremonton Police Department. He is survived by his wife, Brittney, and their two children.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox ordered all U.S. and Utah flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen officers. Cox described the incident as terrible and tragic, expressing that the state’s support and prayers are extended to the families and fellow officers. In response, the community displayed American flags and blue ribbons throughout Tremonton in remembrance of the officers, who were two of only 21 officers in the department.
Law enforcement agencies from Box Elder, Weber, and Cache counties participated in responding to the scene, with an estimated 40 to 50 deputies involved. Brigham City Police Chief Chad Reyes emphasized the inherent risks officers face during domestic disturbance calls, identifying these situations as among the most dangerous for officers to handle.
The community organized a procession on Monday, August 18, to escort the bodies of the officers to the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner in Taylorsville and back to their hometowns. Tremonton closed all city offices on Monday in preparation for the ceremonies. The Box Elder County Fair’s Monday night All Horse Parade was canceled, with participants invited to join the procession to honor the fallen officers instead.
Tremonton, located approximately 75 miles north of Salt Lake City, Utah, has a population of about 13,000 residents. The local law enforcement community shares dispatch services and other resources, facilitating coordinated responses during incidents.
