Tremonton, Utah, became the scene of a tragic incident in August 2023 when two police officers were fatally shot while responding to a violent altercation. In the midst of chaos, local residents Sterling and Courtney Johnston demonstrated remarkable courage, intervening to help save lives during the crisis.
The Johnstons, who moved to Tremonton to raise their three children, experienced a night that would forever change their lives. On that fateful evening, their children were playing sports just a few blocks from home when they heard gunfire. “He told me that he heard gunshots,” said Courtney Johnston. “So, I pretty much signaled to him, like, you need to get in the car and go.”
As Sterling Johnston drove towards the sound of gunfire, he encountered a scene of devastation. “I saw the cop lights, and then I saw the officers on the ground,” he recalled. Tragically, the victims were two Tremonton police officers, Officer Eric Estrada and Sergeant Lee Sorensen, who had been shot while attempting to control the situation. A Box Elder County Sheriff’s deputy, Mike Allred, and his K-9 partner, Azula, were also injured in the incident.
Despite the imminent danger, the Johnstons sprang into action. Upon arriving at the scene, Sterling witnessed a man brandishing a weapon. “I saw him come out of nowhere and kneel on the ground,” he said. In that moment, instead of feeling fear, Sterling found a resolve to stop the violence. “I feel like God took over. I remember saying that his kids still love him, and he just kind of slumped down. So, I walked up to him, and he gave me the gun.”
Courtney, meanwhile, had rushed to the scene, calling 911 as she arrived. “I kind of just panicked a little bit,” she admitted. “I was like, I was a bit hysterical. I kept apologizing to the dispatch.” After Sterling handed her the weapon, she threw it into a nearby field to ensure it was out of reach.
While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, Sterling remained close to the armed man, uncertain of what else to do. Despite the circumstances, the couple’s quick thinking and bravery played a crucial role in averting further tragedy. Their actions have since been recognized by the community, with many hailing them as heroes for their selfless intervention during a life-threatening situation.
As Tremonton grapples with the aftermath of this harrowing event, the Johnstons’ story serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience found within communities. Their experience illustrates how ordinary citizens can become extraordinary in moments of crisis, acting courageously to protect life even in the face of danger.
