2 officers killed and a third is wounded in a Utah shooting, authorities say
Share this @internewscast.com

Two police officers responding to a domestic disturbance call were shot and killed in Utah, and a man was taken into custody after bystanders persuaded him to drop the gun, authorities said Monday.

The officers were identified as Sgt. Lee Sorensen, 56, and Officer Eric Estrada, 31, of the Tremonton-Garland Police Department.

A sheriff’s deputy and a police dog also were shot and wounded in their car as they arrived to help at a neighborhood in Tremonton on Sunday night. The deputy from Box Elder County was released from the hospital Monday and the dog was hospitalized in fair condition, police said.

“These officers are definitely heroes,” Police Chief Chad Reyes in neighboring Brigham City said at a news conference Monday morning.

When police respond to domestic disturbance calls, “we really don’t know what we’re walking into,” he said. “And they are one of the most dangerous events that we can be dispatched on.”

Police received multiple 911 hang-up calls from a home in the city. A single officer from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department arrived first and was speaking to someone at the home when the man came out with a gun, police said in a news release. Reyes said he believed the man lived at the house.

“The male opened fire on the officer, striking and killing the officer,” the news release said. A second officer from the department who responded “was immediately fired upon by the same male suspect” and was killed, it said.

After the officers were shot, bystanders persuaded the man to put down his weapon, police said. Up to 50 officers from multiple agencies responded. SWAT teams arrived to clear the home and verify that there was no further threat, police said.

The ranch-style home was cordoned off by yellow crime scene tape Monday. A trampoline and a blue children’s pool could be seen on the front lawn.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called what happened “a terrible and tragic night.” He posted online that he joined the state in mourning the loss “of these courageous law enforcement officers” and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in their honor.

The suspect was arrested on charges of aggravated murder, police said. The names of the wounded deputy and the suspect have not been released.

Sorensen had served 17 years as a law enforcement officer and received multiple honors for his service to the community. He had recently been promoted to sergeant and was supposed to be sworn into his new role on Friday, the department said.

Estrada had worked in the jail in Box Elder County and as a patrol officer before joining the Tremonton-Garland Police Department. His colleagues described him as a dedicated father and husband who loved being on patrol so he could interact with people in the community.

Tremonton, which has about 13,000 people, is about 75 miles (121 kilometers) north of Salt Lake City at the junction of Interstates 15 and 84. It advertises itself as “a favorite midway stop for vacations” to destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. It also calls itself “Utah’s City of Murals” with a walking tour featuring 18 works of public art.

___

The story has been updated to correct the first name of the police chief to Chad.

___

Associated Press writer Hannah Schoenbaum contributed reporting from Salt Lake City.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

DOJ Set to Hand Over Epstein Documents to Oversight Committee on Friday: Comer

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee announced Monday it expects to…

The Latest Accusation from the Trump Administration Against Political Adversaries: Involvement in Mortgage Fraud

In the past few weeks, President Donald Trump’s administration has directed attention…

Man Injured in Nighttime Box Cutter Attack Outside Tampa Laundromat: Police Report

A man in his mid-20s was hospitalized Tuesday night following an incident…

Convicted Killer in Family of Missing California Baby’s Mother

Graphic Warning: This story contains graphic details that may be disturbing. Viewer…

Illinois Man Impersonates Gardener to Swindle $330K from Senior Citizen

BENTON, Ill. – A Southern Illinois man admitted to stealing $330,000 from…

Mexico Chooses Not to Pursue Cartel Leaders with DEA Assistance

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – On Monday, the Drug Enforcement Administration…

Excavation Work on Phillippi Creek Underway as Residents Recall Flooding from Tropical Storm Debby

SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Many residents are closely watching the tropics,…

Report: Missing Infant’s Sister Suffers Speech and Mobility Loss Due to Alleged Abuse

() New details have emerged about the injuries a missing baby’s sister…

Decrease in Violent Crime Following St. Louis Police Crackdown, Report Finds

() Crime is on the decline in St. Louis, according to the…

DeWitt County Road Workers Announce Strike, Allege County Retaliation Threats

CLINTON, Ill. (WCIA) — The employees of the DeWitt County Highway Department…

Trump Criticizes Smithsonian for Emphasizing the Harsh Realities of Slavery

President Trump on Tuesday expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that the Smithsonian museums in…

Watch: SUV Collides with Texas Restaurant, Injuring Food Vloggers

HOUSTON (KIAH) Two food vloggers, Patrick Blackwood and Nina Santiago, captured a…