What Happened

What Happened

• On Sunday night, August 17, 2025, around 9:02 p.m., Sergeant Lee Sorensen (56) and Officer Eric Estrada (31) of the Tremonton–Garland Police Department were shot and fatally wounded while responding to multiple 911 hang-up calls connected to a suspected domestic violence incident AP NewsAxios.

• The first officer arrived and began speaking to a resident about the disturbance when a gunman armed with a high‑powered rifle emerged, opening fire and killing the officer. A second officer arriving as backup was also immediately shot KSLPeople.com.

• A Box Elder County sheriff’s deputy and a police K‑9 arrived to assist and were also injured in the attack. The deputy was hospitalized but has since been released; the dog remains in fair condition AP NewsKSL.

• Local bystanders courageously persuaded the suspect to surrender, which allowed responding officers to take him into custody. He now faces charges including aggravated murder AP NewsAxios.

Honoring Their Service

• Sergeant Lee Sorensen had served approximately 16–17 years, most of his career in Garland, and had just been promoted to sergeant, set to be sworn in later that week. He was a recipient of multiple honors including the Garland Wheelon Award and a Distinguished Service Award from the Tremonton Fire Department AP NewsKSLPeople.com.

• Officer Eric Estrada previously served across various roles in Box Elder County and Logan before joining Tremonton earlier this year. He was described as a dedicated family man who cherished community interaction and loved being a patrol officer KSLAP NewsPeople.com.

Community Response & Tributes

• A solemn funeral procession was held Monday, August 18, bringing the officers’ remains from the Medical Examiner’s Office in Taylorsville through Tremonton, Garland, and Logan. Streets were lined with thousands of mourners holding flags and paying tribute KSL+1Axios.

• Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared a statewide period of mourning, ordering both U.S. and state flags flown at half-staff until the day of their interment. He called their loss “a terrible and tragic night” and emphasized that their sacrifice will not be forgotten AP NewsUtah News DispatchAxios.

• Leaders across the state—police chiefs, legislators, and community members—shared condolences, recalling the officers’ bravery and commitment to service KSLFOX 13 News Utah (KSTU)Utah News Dispatch.

• Local events were adjusted: Tremonton city offices closed, and the Box Elder County Fair’s parade was canceled, with the procession replacing the celebration. Still, organizers encouraged continued attendance at fair events to unite and heal as a community KSL+1.

• Neighboring communities also gathered—Garland, Logan, Brigham City, and others—to show support, leaving flowers, flags, and messages of grief and gratitude KVNU NewsYahooKSL.

In Summary

In Tremonton, the senseless loss of Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada has united the region in grief and solidarity. Their unwavering service—highlighted by courageous bystanders who helped bring the situation to peace—reflects the best of public service and community spirit. Across the state, their sacrifice is being honored with deep respect and remembrance.