Two officers were shot dead at the weekend while responding to what was later determined to be a domestic violence call.
Brigham City Police Department released a statement detailing how a man had been taken into custody on Sunday, August 17. Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada have since been identified as the fallen officers, Tremonton Garland Police Department announced via social media.
The slayings are said to have taken place after police in Tremonton, Utah, received “multiple 911 hangup calls”. A single officer – it is unknown if this was Sergeant Sorensen or Officer Estrada – responded to the residence from where the calls had been lodged, and was speaking with a resident who who was reporting a domestic disturbance when a suspect emerged from the home and shot him.
According to the Associated Press, Police Chief Chad Reyes, of neighboring Brigham City, said the alleged shooter is believed to be a resident of the house.
As per reports, a second officer then responded to the scene an unspecified amount of time later, and was “immediately fired upon by the same male suspect.”
A deputy from the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office was also dispatched to assist. He was shot when the suspect fired several rounds into his vehicle, striking both him and his police service dog. Both were taken to the hospital and are recovering in “fair condition.”
According to People, bystanders were able to convince the suspect to surrender his firearm, after which he was taken into custody by other responding offiers.
Fox 13, citing an affidavit and booking records, said the suspect had been charged with capital aggravated murder, first-degree felony attempted aggravated murder and misdemeanor assault.
Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox labeled the events of Sunday “a tragic night”.
“Today, our hearts are broken. Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada gave their lives in service to their neighbors and community. Abby and I join all Utahns in mourning alongside their families, the Tremonton-Garland Police Department, and every officer who puts on the uniform to protect others,” Cox said in a statement.
Rest in peace, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada.
