BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah, Aug. 19, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — Box Elder County Sheriff Deputy Mike Allred and his K-9 partner, Azula, are now both recovering at home.
Allred and Azula responded to a report of domestic violence Sunday in Tremonton. Two officers from the Tremonton Garland Police Department had already responded to the residence, near 700 North and 200 East.
Allred, in his vehicle, reported both men were on the ground, not moving. It would later be confirmed that Sgt. Lee Sorensen, 56, and Officer Eric Estrada, 31, were both dead after being shot with a high-powered rifle.
Then the gunman shot at Allred’s vehicle multiple times, hitting him and 3-year-old Azula, a female Belgian Malinois who had been Allred’s K-9 partner for two years.
After suspected shooter Ryan Michael Bate, 32, was taken into custody, Allred was rushed to an area hospital, and Azula was taken to a specialty vet. Both are said to be in fair condition.
And on Tuesday, the Utah Department of Public Safety revealed that both the deputy and the K-9 were stable enough to be released, to recover together at home.
Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada. Photos: Utah Department of Public Safety
Gephardt Daily will have continuing coverage of the incident and the case against Bate as it develops.
