The fallen officers have been identified by police as Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada. The suspect in the alleged killings was identified in an affidavit of probable cause as 33-year-old Ryan Michael Bate. Bate was arrested on suspicion of two counts of aggravated murder, one count of attempted aggravated murder and one count of assault. He was later booked into the Weber County Jail, where he is currently being held without bail.

According to a release from the Brigham City Police Department, the Box Elder Communication Center received multiple 911 hang-up calls from an address near 700 N. 200 East in Tremonton just after 9 p.m. A Tremonton-Garland police officer responded to the scene shortly thereafter and was speaking with one of the home’s occupants when a male emerged with a firearm and allegedly shot and killed the officer. A second officer from the same department also responded and was shot and killed, police said.

A third officer, a deputy from the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, also responded, along with a police service dog. According to police, the suspect fired “several rounds” into the deputy’s vehicle, striking the officer and the dog. They remained in the vehicle and were later evacuated to a local hospital and a veterinary clinic, respectively.

Police said bystanders convinced the suspect to put down his weapon, after which additional responding officers apprehended him. Multiple agencies from Box Elder, Weber and Cache counties joined Tremonton-Garland police and the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office in responding to the incident.

Courtesy Utah Department of Public Safety

During a press briefing on Monday morning, Brigham City Police Chief Chad Reyes said that both of the officers who were killed died on the scene. The injured officer has been released from the hospital, per Reyes, while the dog will remain at the veterinary clinic out of an abundance of caution. Both were described as being in “fair” condition.

Reyes added that the bystanders who later convinced the suspect to put down his weapon are believed to be neighbors. As of Monday morning, investigators were processing the scene, including obtaining search warrants and “diagramming the forensics,” per Reyes.

According to court documents, Bate used a “high-powered rifle” in the alleged killings. Investigators recovered the rifle and spent shell casings at the residence.

Reyes noted that domestic violence incidents are among the most dangerous that officers encounter.

“They really are unknown. We don’t know what we’re walking into and they are one of the most dangerous events that we can be dispatched on,” Reyes said. “These officers have been doing this. They took an oath to protect and serve their communities and that’s what they were doing. They knew the dangers going into this and, unfortunately, they paid the ultimate price.”

Courtesy Utah Department of Public Safety

According to Reyes, between 40 and 50 officers from the various responding agencies had been on the scene. He further noted that his department would do whatever is necessary to support the officers and departments involved.

“Having two officers killed in the line of duty, and another [officer] and their dog injured, is an event that really rocks an entire nation,” Reyes said. “Luckily, in this area and, really, in this state, police departments have the support of the public for the most part. It’s just a tragedy. It affects the entire state, but most importantly, the Tremonton-Garland police, that’s why we’re here trying to do what we can to assist them.”

Reyes said Tremonton-Garland Police Chief Dustin Cordova would provide a statement at a later time.

In response to the incident, Gov. Spencer Cox wrote, via X, “A terrible and tragic night. Abby and I join the entire state in mourning the loss of these courageous law enforcement officers. Our support and prayers go out to their families and fellow officers. May God bless all those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.”

“The law enforcement community stands in mourning following a senseless tragedy and brutal act of violence,” added Utah Chiefs of Police Association President and Payson Police Chief Brad Bishop in a release. “We acknowledge the family, friends, loved ones and colleagues of the fallen, and our hearts are with those individuals at this time. We will be with them to support them during this impossibly difficult time.”

Jared Lloyd, Standard-Examiner

A procession for the fallen officers was planned for Monday afternoon, beginning at the Office of the Medical Examiner in Taylorsville, heading north to Garland and continuing on to Logan.

Officers from various agencies gather in Taylorsville on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, to prepare for the procession to honor the two Tremonton/Garland police officers who were killed in a shooting in Tremonton on Sunday.

Officers from various agencies gather in Taylorsville on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, to prepare for the procession to honor the two Tremonton/Garland police officers who were killed in a shooting in Tremonton on Sunday.

Officers from various agencies gather in Taylorsville on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, to prepare for the procession to honor the two Tremonton/Garland police officers who were killed in a shooting in Tremonton on Sunday.

People show support in Taylorsville on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, as officers from various agencies prepare for the procession to honor the two Tremonton/Garland police officers who were killed in a shooting in Tremonton on Sunday.

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