Two police officers lost their lives and a deputy was wounded during a late-night response in Box Elder County

Published Time: 08-18-2025, 20:45

Two police officers in Utah were fatally shot and a sheriff’s deputy was injured Sunday night when a suspect opened fire during a domestic disturbance call in Box Elder County. Authorities confirmed the gunman was later taken into custody after bystanders persuaded him to drop his weapon.

The shooting has shaken communities across northern Utah, with local leaders and law enforcement agencies calling the officers’ deaths a devastating loss.

Officers Respond to Disturbance Near Elementary School

According to a statement released Monday by the Brigham City Police Department, officers from the Tremonton Garland Police Department and a deputy from the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched around 9:30 p.m. following multiple 911 hang-up calls. The calls originated from a residence near North Park Elementary School.

As one Tremonton Garland officer spoke with an individual outside the home regarding a possible domestic disturbance, an armed man emerged and immediately opened fire. The officer was struck and killed at the scene.

When a second Tremonton Garland officer rushed forward to help, the suspect fired again, fatally wounding the second officer.

Deputy and Police Dog Also Shot

Authorities reported that the Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy and his police service dog came under fire as their patrol vehicle arrived. Both were shot while inside the vehicle.

The deputy was rushed to a nearby hospital, where officials say he remains in fair condition. The police dog was transported to a veterinary clinic and is also expected to recover.

Suspect Taken Into Custody

Police said nearby residents played a critical role in ending the standoff. Witnesses convinced the suspect to put down his weapon, allowing responding officers to move in and safely take him into custody.

The male suspect, whose identity has not been released, now faces charges of aggravated murder and additional offenses related to the attack. Officials stated the case remains under active investigation.

Police Withhold Identities of Fallen Officers

As of Monday, authorities have not released the names of the two Tremonton Garland officers or the wounded deputy. Officials cited the need to notify and support the families before making identities public.

In a written statement, the Brigham City Police Department said:

“Tragedies like these rock an entire community, state and even nation. These officers and their families served every day, and they will forever be remembered as heroes.”

Emergency Response Across Counties

Detective Crystal Beck of the Brigham City Police told reporters that after the initial exchange of gunfire, the officers at the scene called for backup. At some point, communication with them stopped, prompting an urgent, large-scale response.

Police and SWAT teams from Box Elder, Weber, and Cache Counties converged on the area. Authorities later confirmed the suspect was not barricaded inside the home, easing initial fears of an extended standoff.

Officials also reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat but urged residents to avoid the area while the investigation continued into Monday morning.

Eyewitness Account: “It Was Pretty Freaky”

Local resident Randy Kilman told FOX13 Salt Lake City that he was driving home when he unknowingly crossed into the scene. At first, he thought fireworks were being set off, until his car was struck by a bullet.

“I went to go back out, and when I did, a bullet went through the driver’s side door and out my windshield,” Kilman recalled. “So I pulled over, ran home, and called my wife to make sure I didn’t have any holes in me. It was pretty freaky.”

Community Mourning and Support

The deaths of the two Tremonton Garland officers mark one of the deadliest nights for law enforcement in Utah in recent years. Flags across Box Elder County are expected to be lowered in their honor, and local officials said support services are being offered to families of the victims.

Neighboring police departments expressed condolences on social media, underscoring the risks officers face daily in responding to domestic disturbance calls—often considered among the most unpredictable and dangerous for law enforcement.

Governor Spencer Cox also released a statement pledging state support for the families and communities affected. “Our hearts are broken,” Cox said, calling the officers’ sacrifice “a solemn reminder of the courage and dedication of Utah’s law enforcement.”

Continuing Investigation

Authorities are continuing to piece together the sequence of events that led to the deadly shooting. Investigators are reviewing 911 call records, gathering witness statements, and examining the suspect’s background.

While the suspect remains in custody, prosecutors are expected to announce formal charges in the coming days. Police have urged the public to allow investigators time to complete their work while honoring the fallen officers’ service.