Deputy injured in Tremonton shooting announces run for Box Elder County sheriff

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Box Elder County deputy sheriff Mike Allred, injured in an August shooting, announced his run for Box Elder County sheriff on Friday.
Allred's campaign will focus on combating drug abuse and supporting addiction recovery systems.
Brigham City's police chief supports Allred's campaign, citing needed changes in training.

BRIGHAM CITY — A Box Elder County deputy wounded in a deadly shooting last August is now running for Box Elder County sheriff.

Deputy Mike Allred announced his candidacy Friday, saying his campaign will focus on combating drug abuse and related crimes. Allred is challenging his current boss, Sheriff Kevin Potter, in the upcoming election in November.

"I look forward to winning this election," Allred said in a press conference. "I will strengthen our commitment to the citizens of Box Elder County; my pledge is to protect our families, our way of life, and our future."

The Aug. 17 incident left Allred and his K-9 partner, Azula, injured, and claimed the lives of Sgt. Lee Sorenson and officer Eric Estrada, both with the Tremonton-Garland Police Department.

"May they always live in our hearts and our minds, and let us never forget the ultimate sacrifice," Allred said.

While Allred says the shooting stands as a clear example of troubles that can come with drug abuse, Allred said his concerns began long before that night.

"If you bring drugs into our community, our county and our homes, we will hunt you. We will find you, and we will bring you to justice," he said. "There is no place for drugs in Box Elder County."

Allred also called for better support systems for people recovering from addiction.

"The problem is, is that, once a person is addicted to drugs, communities or families will abandon them," he said. "And then once they get clean, they don't have anybody to go to for support except for their friends that are possibly still using drugs."

Brigham City Police Chief Chad Reyes said he supports Allred's campaign as a private citizen.

"If he's elected sheriff, he's going to bring about some much-needed change as far as training and education and pooling resources, and things like that. That's why I'm here to support him and his campaign," Reyes said.

Allred says he still has a lot of respect for current Potter but feels this is something he needs to do. Potter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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