Two officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department in Utah were killed, and a third officer was injured during a domestic disturbance call on Sunday night, August 17, 2025. Sergeant Lee Sorensen, 56, and Officer Eric Estrada, 31, were identified as the officers who lost their lives.
The situation started at 9:02 p.m. after the Box Elder County Communications Center received several 911 hang-up calls from a location at 705 N. 200 East. An officer arrived at the scene 16 minutes later to investigate a reported domestic disturbance. As the officer spoke with a resident, a man emerged from the house armed with a high-powered rifle.
Police reports indicate that the suspect opened fire on the first responding officer, resulting in his death. A second officer from the Tremonton-Garland department arrived and was also fatally wounded by the suspect. A Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy, Mike Allred, and his K-9, Azula, were shot while remaining in their patrol car. Tremonton Mayor Lyle Holmgren stated that the suspect aimed to harm as many officers as possible.
Brigham City Police Detective Crystal Beck noted that officers had called for additional units before communication was lost.
The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Ryan Michael Bate, fired multiple rounds into the deputy’s vehicle, hitting the rear compartment where the K-9 was located. Both Deputy Allred and the dog sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries. Allred was treated and released from a local hospital on Monday morning, while Azula was expected to recover after being treated at a veterinary clinic.
By persuading Bate to lay down his weapon, bystanders helped bring the shooting to an end. Officers then arrested him without further incident. A SWAT team later cleared the residence to ensure no additional threats persisted.
Investigations revealed that Bate had assaulted his wife before the police arrived, hitting her head against a door frame. He was initially held at Box Elder County jail on charges of aggravated murder before being transferred to Weber County jail, where the homicide investigation will proceed under the Weber County Attorney’s Office.
Sergeant Sorensen was recently promoted and was due to be sworn into his new position on Friday. He had 17 years of service, 16 of which were at the Garland Police Department. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Tremonton Fire Department in February for his professionalism and dedication. In 2020, Sorensen and his wife received Garland’s Wheelon Award for their impact on the city. He is survived by his wife and children.
Officer Estrada began his law enforcement career in 2017 with the Logan Police Department and later worked with the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office. He served as a patrol officer and detective with the North Park Police Department before returning to the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office. Earlier this year, he joined the Tremonton Police Department as a line officer and community outreach team member. Estrada is survived by his wife Brittney and their two children, Cienna and Luka.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox ordered flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff in memory of the fallen officers. Cox described the incident as terrible and tragic, expressing support and prayers for the families and fellow officers. The community honored the officers by displaying American flags and blue ribbons throughout Tremonton, where they were among only 21 officers in the department.
Law enforcement agencies from Box Elder, Weber, and Cache counties assisted at the scene, with an estimated 40 to 50 deputies responding. Brigham City Police Chief Chad Reyes highlighted the dangers officers face during domestic disturbance calls, noting these are among the most perilous situations officers encounter.
A procession took place on Monday, August 18, to escort the officers’ bodies to the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner in Taylorsville and back to their hometowns. Tremonton closed all city offices on Monday for the ceremonies. The Box Elder County Fair’s All Horse Parade was canceled, with participants invited to join the procession honoring the fallen officers instead.
Tremonton, located about 75 miles north of Salt Lake City, has around 13,000 residents. The local law enforcement community shares dispatch services and other resources, enabling coordinated responses to incidents.
