A Domestic Call Turns Deadly: Officers Ambushed Under Gunfire

What began as a routine domestic violence response in Tremonton, Utah, escalated into one of the darkest nights in the town’s history. On that tragic evening, Ryan Michael Bate allegedly assaulted his wife, slamming her head into a door frame before officers even arrived. When Tremonton-Garland police officers responded to the scene, they were met with a sudden and violent burst of gunfire. Investigators confirmed that Bate was armed with a high-powered rifle, unleashing deadly rounds before officers had time to react.

In mere moments, the lives of two dedicated law enforcement officers were cut short. Officer Lee Sorensen was identified among the fallen, remembered for his unwavering service and courage. The second officer, whose name has not yet been released, also tragically lost his life in the line of duty. What should have been a call to protect and de-escalate ended in unspeakable loss, shaking both the police force and the wider community to their core.

Injuries, Survival, and the Cost of Violence

The devastating ambush did not end with the deaths of the two officers. A Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy was also struck by gunfire, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries, while a loyal K9 partner, confined in a patrol vehicle, was hit as well. Miraculously, both are expected to recover, though the scars—physical and emotional—will linger long after.

Authorities acted swiftly to secure the scene, bringing the violent outburst to an end and taking Bate into custody. He now faces aggravated murder charges, a reminder of the grave accountability that follows senseless acts of violence. Yet no charges, no courtroom trial, and no justice will ever fill the void left by the loss of two officers who gave their lives in service to others.