Crime
Ryan Michael Bate Identified as Suspect in Tremonton Shooting That Killed Officers Lee Sorensen and Eric Estrada
TREMONTON, Utah — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting two Tremonton Garland police officers as 33-year-old Ryan Michael Bate, who was booked early Monday into the Weber County Jail on charges of aggravated murder and assault.
The fatal shooting occurred Sunday night, August 17, 2025, after officers responded to multiple 911 hang-up calls around 9 p.m. from a residence near 700 North and 200 East, close to North Park Elementary School.
According to the Brigham City Police Department, the first responding Tremonton Garland officer began speaking with a resident when Bate emerged from the home carrying a firearm and opened fire, killing the officer.
A second officer who had arrived to provide backup was also shot and killed.
A Box Elder County sheriff’s deputy, who had responded with a K-9, was then fired upon when Bate shot into the deputy’s patrol vehicle, injuring both the deputy and the police dog.
Both were later hospitalized and reported in fair condition Monday morning.
Police said bystanders ultimately persuaded Bate to surrender his weapon, after which he was taken into custody. Given the level of violence and uncertainty about additional threats, multiple agencies, including SWAT teams, responded and cleared the residence.
Fallen officers has been identified as sergeant Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada.
Court records reveal that Bate has a history of violent encounters with law enforcement.
In May 2024, Box Elder Police charged him with aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child following a reported family disturbance at the same address where Sunday’s shooting took place.
According to the probable cause statement from that case, Bate broke a chair, grabbed the victim by the throat, threw her onto a couch, and then locked her out of the home.
The report noted that young children and firearms were present in the residence at the time. The victim disclosed that a similar assault had occurred the previous week but had gone unreported because she “wanted to keep her family together.” The charges in that case were later dismissed.
Earlier records also show that Bate faced charges of assault and disorderly conduct in Tremonton City in October 2021, which were likewise dismissed.
In a prepared statement, the Brigham City Police Department described the tragedy as one that has deeply shaken the community:
“Tragedies like these rock an entire community, state, and even nation. These officers and their families served theirs every day, and they will forever be remembered as heroes.”
Weber County officials are now leading the homicide investigation, while Bate remains in custody on aggravated murder charges.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.