TREMONTON, Utah, Aug. 20, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — Box Elder County Deputy Mike Allred, who survived being shot during a Tremonton domestic violence incident in which two other officers died, is speaking out about how he and K-9 partner Azula are doing.
“I just want to take a moment and let everyone know that I feel the love and support that has been sent,” Allred wrote on social media.
“I have received so many messages and phone calls. I have tried to answer all of them but I cannot keep up. Please don’t think I’m not responding. I have two phones that are going non-stop.”
Sgt. Lee Sorensen, 56, and Eric Estrada, 31, of the Tremonton Garland Police Department were killed by the shooter, who used a high-powered rifle.
Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada, Tremonton Garland Police Department. Photos: Utah DPS
“My heart breaks for the loss of my two Brothers, my friends,” Allred wrote of Sorensen and Estrada.
“There is no doubt in my mind that they would do the same for me!! My heart aches for their families, all of my Brothers and Sisters who do this job. We may have different colors of uniforms but we all work together and are one big team. We are all hurting.”
Allred and K-9 partner Azula were pinned in their patrol vehicle near where Sorensen and Estrada were fatally shot. In police radio transmissions, listeners can hear Allred say when he’s been hit, and that the bullets are still coming.
Suspected shooter Ryan Michael Bate was later ultimately arrested and booked into the Weber County jail.
“Right now I’m broken, pissed, sad and confused,” Allred wrote in his post. “Azula is healing and will be fine. We will be fine. Katrina is a rock star and between her and my kiddos they are holding me together, giving me space when I need it and getting into my space when they know I need it.”
Deputy Mike Allred and K-9 Azula, Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office. File photo: Utah DPS
Allred made a request.
“If I could ask one thing to come from this senseless tragedy, don’t forget how much love and support is being handed out right now,” he wrote. “Communities are coming together, people are coming together. Kindness and love is being shared. Keep this moving forward and don’t stop ever.
“I thank all of you for the words of encouragement, the phone calls, texts and visits! I love you all!!!
-Mike.”
Gov. Spencer Cox wrote on X that he visited Allred and Azula, both recovering at home after life-saving surgery.
“Spent some time with K-9 Officer Azula and her handler, Deputy Mike Allred,” Cox’s post says.
“Both of them were wounded in the awful shooting in Tremonton, but are now home recovering. They are grateful for the prayers and outpouring of support from every corner of the state.
“We also spent time with the Sorenson and Estrada families. It’s impossible to articulate the loss and sorrow they are experiencing. But both families emphasized that Utah is a special place and they can feel the love and prayers of millions of Utahns.”
Sorensen and Estrada will be remembered tonight at the Box Elder County Fair. A law enforcement horse parade will feature two riderless horses, representing the men lost Sunday in the line of duty. Each will be led by one of Sorensen’s children.
