A small Utah community is reeling after a Sunday night shooting left two police officers dead, another deputy wounded, and a police K-9 injured during what began as a domestic disturbance call in Tremonton, a town of just 13,000.

Police say the violence erupted around 9:30 p.m. when Tremonton Garland officers responded to multiple 911 hang-up calls. As an officer spoke with someone at the residence, a man suddenly emerged armed and opened fire, fatally shooting the officer. A second officer responding to the scene was also gunned down.

A deputy from the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office who arrived to help was immediately fired upon, along with his K-9 partner. Both were struck and forced to shelter inside their vehicle until backup arrived. Authorities confirmed both are recovering.

Residents described the chaos as unlike anything they had ever seen in their quiet community. “It’s like the biggest thing I’ve ever seen happen in Tremonton,” resident Caleb Hyre told KUTV. “It’s scary to see this stuff happening in this little, somewhat quiet town.”

Neighbor Randy Kidman recalled realizing the popping sounds were not fireworks: “I come up the road, and I saw two cop cars and something in the road, and decided it wasn’t a good situation. I went to go back out, and when I went to back out, I caught a bullet through the driver’s side door and it went out my windshield. So I dove-tailed and ran and ran home and called my wife and told her to come outside, make sure I didn’t have no holes in me. It’s pretty freaky.”

Police said bystanders at the scene convinced the suspect to surrender. The man, whose name has not yet been released, was booked into the Box Elder County Jail and faces charges of aggravated murder.

The Tremonton Garland Police Department released a statement honoring their fallen officers:

“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. Our thoughts and prays are with the Tremonton Garland Police Department, Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, and the families of those involved.”

For conservatives across the country, the tragedy is a grim reminder of the dangers faced daily by law enforcement — dangers often downplayed in an era where police officers are too frequently vilified instead of honored. These officers stood their ground to protect innocent lives, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten.