TREMONTON — Two police officers were shot and killed and a sheriff’s deputy and police K-9 were shot and injured while investigating a domestic violence situation in Tremonton Sunday.
“Tragedies like these rock the entire community, state, and even nation. These officers and their families served their community everyday and will forever be remembered as heroes,” said Brigham City Police Chief Chad Reyes.
Just after 9 p.m., an officer from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department responded to several 911 hang-up calls from a residence at 705 N. 200 East. The officer was speaking to a resident about an apparent domestic dispute when a man with a gun emerged from the home.
“The male opened fire on the officer, striking and killing the officer,” Reyes said.
A second officer responding to the home was “immediately fired upon” and also killed. The names of the two deceased officers have not yet been released.
As a Box Elder County sheriff’s deputy drove up to the residence, police say the gunman fired several rounds into his vehicle, striking the deputy and a K-9. The deputy was taken to a local hospital in fair condition. He was released from the hospital Monday morning, Reyes said. The police K-9 is expected to be held overnight at the vet clinic as a precaution.
An estimated 40 to 50 deputies from Cache County and Weber County all responded to the scene in response, as well as the Box Elder County SWAT team.
“After firing on these three officers and police service dog, the suspect was convinced to put down his weapon by bystanders and he was taken into custody by additional responding officers,” Reyes said,
The bystanders are believed to be neighbors of the alleged gunman, who was arrested and booked him into the Box Elder County Jail for investigation of aggravated murder.
Reyes said domestic violence calls can be unpredictable.
“We don’t know what we’re walking into. They can be one of the most dangerous events we’re dispatched to,” he said.
A police motorcade escorted the bodies of the deceased officers to the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner.
“Our community is deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless act of violence that claimed the lives of two brave Tremonton police officers and wounded a Box Elder County sheriff’s deputy. These brave individuals wear the uniform each day to protect us, fully aware of the risks involved, and today we are reminded of their willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice,” Tremonton Mayor Lyle Holmgren said in a statement.
“On behalf of the city of Tremonton, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen officers and pray for the quick recovery of the wounded deputy. We mourn with their loved ones, their fellow officers, and the entire community that feels this loss so profoundly.”
Gov. Spencer Cox was one of many state leaders, lawmakers and police agencies extending condolences Monday.
“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,” Cox tweeted.
“Heartbroken by the tragic loss of two law enforcement officers in Tremonton last night. My prayers are with their families, the wounded deputy, and all who serve to keep us safe,” Sen. John Curtis posted.
“‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ Please join me in praying for these heroic officers, their families, and the community of Tremonton in the wake of this tragedy,” Sen. Mike Lee tweeted.
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason posted, “We are heartbroken by the loss of 2 Tremonton Police Officers in the line of duty and are praying for the recovery of the injured Box Elder County Deputy. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, loved ones, and community. We stand in solidarity with you.”
The Clearfield Police Department posted on social media, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the two officers who were killed in the line of duty. Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, loved ones, and the entire Tremonton-Garland Police Department family during this difficult time. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting their community will never be forgotten.”
“The tragic events in Tremonton weigh heavily on all of us. Our thoughts are with the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Deputy and their K9 partner who were injured in the incident. We’re hoping for their full and speedy recovery,” Unified police said.
The Utah Chiefs of Police Association also extended its condolences Monday.
“The law enforcement community stands in mourning following a senseless tragedy and brutal act of violence,” said association President Brad Bishop, who is also the Payson police chief. “Law enforcement officers take an oath to protect their communities, and promise to respond anywhere, anytime, putting their lives on their line every day without a second thought. No response is more complex and unpredictable than a domestic violence call, and none creates more potential danger for our officers. Please keep these brave officers and their families in your prayers today. We will never forget their sacrifice.”
“The men and women of Santaquin Fire Department stand and mourn with our brothers and sisters in Tremonton Fire and Police Departments. We know how you are feeling because we have stood in your shoes. This is so difficult in any department but small departments it hits differently,” the department posted.
“This senseless act of violence is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day to protect their communities. We stand in solidarity with the Tremonton-Garland Police Department, the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, and the entire Tremonton community as they grieve this devastating loss. May the sacrifice of these fallen officers never be forgotten,” said Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski.
“No words can truly ease the pain of such a loss, but please know that your department, the fallen officers, and their loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. We grieve with you as fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement,” Roy Police Chief Matthew Gwynn added.
This story will be updated.
The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.
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