Two police officers were fatally shot and one deputy was wounded following an incident in Tremonton, Utah, according to police. An officer with the Tremonton Garland Police responded to a report of a …
Two police officers were fatally shot and one deputy was wounded following an incident in Tremonton, Utah, according to police.
An officer with the Tremonton Garland Police responded to a report of a disturbance at a home late Sunday night, Aug. 17, according to a news release from the Brigham Police Department obtained by USA TODAY.
As the officer was speaking to an occupant, “a male emerged from the residence with a firearm” and fatally shot the officer, according to police. When the second officer arrived to assist, police said the suspect opened fire, killing them.
Brigham Police Detective Crystal Beck said at a news conference shared by local outlet KSL that the officers stopped answering their radios after calling additional units.
The third to arrive was a deputy with the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office and a service dog, according to the news release. The suspect is accused of “firing several rounds into the deputy’s vehicle.” Both the deputy and the dog were struck by the gunfire.
Suspect arrested on scene
The suspect, who was not publicly identified, was arrested after bystanders persuaded him to drop his firearm. He was detained on an aggravated murder charge.
The injured Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office deputy and the service dog were transported to the hospital and veterinary clinic, respectively. Beck told USA TODAY that the identities of the deceased officers have not been made public.
“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 news release said.
Tremonton is about 74 miles from Salt Lake City.
‘Terrible and tragic’
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox released a statement on Aug. 18 addressing the incident, calling it “terrible and tragic.”
“Our support and prayers go out to their families and fellow officers,” Cox continued. “May God bless all those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.”
The Brigham City Police Department also released a statement which reads in part, “Tragedies like these rock an entire community, state and even nation. These officers and their families served their every day, and they will forever be remembered as heroes. “
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
Source: Utah News