Tremonton officials speak on loss of two officers, address community impact

TREMONTON, Utah (ABC4) — Officials with the City of Tremonton are speaking on the loss of two officers and the impact on their community.

Several Tremonton officials spoke at a press conference on the loss of Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada, who were shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance late Sunday night.

Tremonton Mayor Lyle Holmgren, Garland Mayor Linda Bourne, Tremonton-Garland Chief Dustin Cordova, and Box Elder Sheriff Kevin Potter all spoke at the press conference. Additionally, Madison Peterson, a representative for Sergeant Sorensen’s family, gave some remarks,

Tremonton Mayor Lyle Holmgren said, “Tremonton is mourning the heartbreaking loss of two of our police officers, Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada. We also mourn the wounding of Box Elder Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Allred and his K-9, who are both recovering. Our hearts are broken, and our deepest love and prayers are with their families, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers.”

Mayor Holmgren emphasized the courage and sacrifice of Estrada and Sorensen and also encouraged the community to stand united.

Tremonton-Garland Police Chief

Chief Dustin Cordova, with the Tremonton-Garland Police Department, provided an initial comment on the shooting, and said, “Officers Lee Sorensen and Eric Estrada laid down their lives protecting others, showing the very highest measure of courage and devotion to duty…We will never forget their names, their service, or their sacrifice.”

At the press conference, Cordova recounted his personal experience the night of the shooting. He was at home when he got the alert that there was an active shooter event and noted that there was very little information available when he and other officers responded.

He emphasized that they were able to take control of the chaotic scene and were grateful for the immediate response from officers, multiple agencies, and the community following the shooting. Chief Cordova said, “I can say, unequivocally, that Eric and Lee are heroes and I truly believe that more people would have died that night, had they not intervened.”

The Utah Department of Public Safety says that Tremonton-Garland Police Department has twenty-one officers, including the two fallen officers.

Family Comment

Madison Peterson was acting as the spokesperson for Officer Sorensen’s family and passed on the family’s gratitude to the community. She noted that the community will be honoring Sergeant Sorenson and Officer Estrada at the Box Elder County Fair.

“We love Lee, we’ll miss him, and we are grateful for everyone in this community,” Madison said.

Eric Estrada’s wife passed along a comment, which thanked the community for their support. She also asked for time and privacy for their family to grieve.

Deputy Allred and K9 Azula

Box Elder Sheriff Kevin Potter said that both Deputy Mike Allred and K9 Officer Azula are recovering well and that both were released from the hospital. Deputy Allred also insisted on picking up Azula from the veterinary hospital himself.

Reportedly, after being shot, Deputy Allred was still able to call in essential information and redirected incoming officers on how to approach the scene. Sheriff Potter said that Allred’s actions saved lives.

Chief Deputy Sheriff Cade Palmer noted that both Deputy Allred and Azula will have permanent shrapnel as a result of their injuries. Additionally, officials say “had he been shot an inch over, we would have had three dead officers.”

At this time, officials say they are not releasing any other information on the investigation. However, they are asking any citizens who were on scene the night of the shooting and who have not spoken with a detective to contact the Weber County Attorney’s Office. Those individuals should call (801)399-8618 and ask to speak with Investigator Haney or Investigator Zaccardi.