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.
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning during a domestic altercation at an apartment on Mel Smith Road, located in an unincorporated area outside New Albany.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) received the initial emergency call at approximately 5:39 a.m. on November 15, 2025, reporting a disturbance involving family members.
While officers were en route, additional information indicated that shots had been fired inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a domestic situation involving a mother and her two adult sons.
Officers immediately secured the scene and began administering medical aid to one of the men who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The second male remained at the location and cooperated fully with responding officers.
The injured individual was transported to a nearby hospital; however, he later died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives with the Floyd County Criminal Investigations Division (CID) have taken over the case and processed the scene for evidence.
Early findings suggest the shooting may have occurred in self-defense, though officials emphasize that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities state that additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.
The case remains active.