Two police officers were shot and killed and a third officer, along with a K-9, was wounded during a domestic disturbance in Tremonton, Utah, on Sunday night.
The shooting stunned the town of about 13,000 residents, with one local telling KUTV, “It’s like the biggest thing I’ve ever seen happen in Tremonton. It’s scary to see this stuff happening in this little, somewhat quiet town.”
How the Shooting Unfolded
The incident began around 9:30 p.m. after multiple hang-up calls to 911 were received from a home on North 200 East. When officers from Tremonton Garland Police responded, one officer was speaking with a resident outside when a man suddenly came out of the home with a gun and opened fire, killing the officer.
The gunman then fatally shot a second officer.
A Box Elder County deputy arriving to assist was shot at as well, with both the deputy and his K-9 partner wounded while still inside their vehicle. Authorities later said both are recovering.
Suspect Taken Into Custody
The suspect, who was not injured, eventually surrendered after bystanders at the scene urged him to give up. He was taken to the Box Elder County Jail and is facing multiple charges, including aggravated murder. Police have not released his name.
Community in Mourning
In a statement, the Tremonton Garland Police Department said, “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.”
The department, which is small in size, noted the loss is especially devastating.
Eyewitness Accounts
Neighbor Randy Kidman said he first thought the gunfire was fireworks until he realized bullets were flying.
“I come up the road, and I saw two cop cars and something in the road, and decided it wasn’t a good situation. I went to go back out, and when I went to back out, I caught a bullet through the driver’s side door and it went out my windshield,” he told reporters. “It’s pretty freaky.”
