By Rachel Bauldree, Communications Manager, CCAW
What happened?
“Two police officers were killed Sunday while responding to reports of domestic violence in the northern Utah community of Tremonton.
Another sheriff’s deputy and a police service dog were shot responding to the call. Both are receiving medical treatment and are in “fair” condition, according to the Brigham City Police Department, which is currently handling press communications.
Ryan Michael Bate, 32, was booked into the Box Elder County Jail for investigation of aggravated murder, which is a capital crime in Utah, as well as attempted aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, and assault, a class B misdemeanor, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in 1st District Court in Brigham City. The Weber County Attorney’s Office is assisting in the homicide investigation.”
Read the full story HERE.
Why does it matter?
Officers responding to domestic violence (DV) calls face unpredictable and often life-threatening situations. While the danger may not be immediately apparent, it is frequently predictable, therefore preventable.
“Court records show that Bate was charged in May last year with several domestic violence-related charges, including aggravated assault and three counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, both third-degree felonies.
…However, those charges were later dismissed.”
The dismissal of these charges raises critical questions about how we assess and respond to DV offenders. Given Bate’s documented history, his potential for lethal violence should have been flagged. Officers should not be dispatched into volatile environments without adequate information, protection, and support.
Domestic violence calls must be treated with the seriousness they warrant. These are not routine disturbances; they are often precursors to extreme violence. The safety of both victims and responding officers depends on recognizing and acting on this reality.
Retired Lieutenant and former head of the Domestic Violence Division of the SWAT Team, as well as a featured speaker at the Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW), Mark Wynn is a vocal advocate for officer safety during domestic violence calls.
“Once an officer or deputy is on a domestic violence call, there should be laser-like focus on all the environmental issues, all the victim behaviors, everything should be focused on carefully and if it’s not, an officer will risk being hurt or killed.”
Wynn underscores the critical importance of approaching every domestic violence call with deliberate attention and seriousness. These situations often escalate rapidly, posing grave risks not only to victims but also to the responding officers.
What can I do?
We all have a role to play in protecting those who protect us. Here’s how you can help:
Advocate for Policy Reform: Support legislation that mandates lethality assessments for DV calls and ensures officers are informed of prior violent history before dispatch.
Promote DV awareness: Encourage education, and training amongst all levels of law enforcement.
Support Officer Safety Initiatives: Motivate your local law enforcement agencies to invest in training, protective gear, and backup protocols for DV responses.
Raise Awareness: Share stories like this one to highlight the risks officers face and the need for systemic change.
Engage with Community Leaders: Ask your city council, police oversight boards, and elected officials what they’re doing to improve officer safety on DV calls.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the signs of escalating domestic violence and how communities can intervene before tragedy strikes.
Resources:
https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/08/18/utah-police-officers-killed-in-shooting-in-tremonton/
ICCR Virtual Training: The Most Dangerous Call: Responding to & Investigating Domestic Violence Incidents | Mark Wynn | Aug 7 2020
