BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah — Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for the man accused of fatally shooting two Tremonton Garland police officers last weekend, as well as shooting a third officer and a K-9. Newly filed charges by Box Elder County prosecutors include two capital offenses and a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Ryan Michael Bate.
Crime
Officers killed during Tremonton disturbance identified by authorities
The charges against Bate were filed in Utah's First District Court in Brigham City. In addition to the capital charges, the prosecutor has refiled a previous domestic violence case against Bate that was dismissed without prejudice on August 27, 2024.
Watch: Box Elder County Fair honor Tremonton officers killed during centennial anniversary
Bate faces 20 charges in total, which are as follows:
- 4 counts of Attempted Aggravated Murder- First Degree Felony
- 2 counts of Aggravated Murder- Capital Offense
- Endangering Police Service Canine with conduct to injure or kill
- 5 counts of possession of an incendiary device
- Possession of a dangerous weapon with criminal intent
- 3 counts of Assault (Domestic Violence with prior)
- Unlawful detention (Domestic Violence with prior)
- Treat of violence (Domestic Violence with prior)
- 3 counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child
Sunday's incident began when Bate and his wife got into an argument, leading to Bate allegedly headbutting her, slamming her head into a door, choking her, and restraining her to the bed.
Bate is also accused of threatening to kill his wife while in front of their three children. At one point, Bate's wife was able to call 911 and hang up, resulting in law enforcement being summoned to the scene.
Shortly after, an officer arrived at the home and spoke with both Bate and his wife. The officer was preparing to leave after being told there was no physical violence; however, as he was driving away, Bate allegedly retrieved a rifle from the home and shot at the officer's vehicle.
The first shot missed the officer who parked and called into dispatchers for backup. When the officer got out of his vehicle, Bate's wife was running down the street yelling about Bate having a gun. The officer started to cross the street to help when Bate fired again, striking and killing the officer.
A second officer arrived shortly after and found the first officer lying in the road. As the officer rushed to provide aid, Bate allegedly fired another shot, hitting and killing the second officer.
A short time later, a Box Elder County Sheriff's Office deputy and K-9 arrived were shot at by Bate, with the shots injuring both the deputy and K-9.
As a neighbor drove down the street, Bate fired a shot at their vehicle, barely missing the driver, who was able to flee from the scene.
Neighbor whose car was shot by suspect shares emotions after incident:
Investigators said when they searched Bate's home, they found 3 Molotov cocktails.
The prosecutor shared their thanks and condolences to those impacted by the tragedy, saying, "We express our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy and wish to thank the Weber County CSI, Brigham City Police Department, and all other investigating agencies for their assistance in the investigation, which is ongoing."
Bate is scheduled to appear in court virtually on Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. FOX 13 News will provide updates on what happens in court.
