TREMONTON, Utah, Aug. 23, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — “CHiPs” actor Erik Estrada is asking for financial help for the families of Tremonton Garland Police Officer Eric Estrada and Sgt. Lee Sorensen, and for Box Elder County Sheriff Deputy Mike Allred.
Eric Estrada and Sorensen were fatally shot last Sunday night after responding to a domestic violence call at the residence of Ryan Michael Bate, who was later arrested for murder, assault and other crimes.
Allred and his K-9 partner, Azula, were also shot and critically injured in the incident, but survived and are recovering at home.
Speaking of Officer Estrada, actor Estrada said, “For years, people have associated my name with a TV role I played as a police officer,” the actor said of the 1977-1983 TV NBC series.
“But Officer Eric Estrada of Utah lived that role with courage and sacrifice. He’s the real hero. Please join me in supporting his family.”
Image: @ErikEstrada
Estrada also shared a note above the graphic that shared his photo and Eric Estrada’s.
“There is a special kind of person that makes a 100% commitment regardless of if it puts them in harm’s way… someone who is willing to put it all on the line for others,” the actor wrote.
“The events that took place in Tremonton, Utah on August 17,2025 tragically ended the lives of two such individuals and wounded two officers and left the community heart broken. Please join me in supporting the families of these heroic fallen officers at helpahero.com as the loss will forever be a heavy burden for them to bear. God bless Eric Estrada, Sgt. Lee Sorensen may you rest in peace, and to Deputy Mike Allred and K-9 Azula I wish you a speedy recovery. Thank you all for your service & sacrifice. Erik Estrada”
The actor also shared direct links for accounts assigned to the Utah officers: helpahero.com/campaign/eric-estrada/donate, helpahero.com/campaign/sgt-lee-sorensen, and helpahero.com/campaign/michael-allred.
As in all cases, Gephardt Daily cannot guarantee funds raised will be used as stated. Click the links for more information on the stated charity.
