Man police say fired at officer has troubled past

SUNSET — A man arrested for allegedly firing several rounds on an unsuspecting police officer, narrowly missing him, has been in trouble with the law before.

Zane Openshaw, 22, was booked into the Davis County Jail on Thursday for investigation of attempted murder.

Clinton police say Openshaw fired up to eight shots at one of their patrol cars near 2300 North and 700 West just after 5 p.m. Some of the shots barely missed the officer in the car and hit his laptop. Other rounds whizzed past his head, according to police.

After a massive search, Openshaw was arrested about 40 minutes later when police spotted him acting calm and appearing to be talking on a cellphone.

A possible motive for the shooting was not revealed Friday, but police said Openshaw's actions may have been related to an argument he had with his girlfriend.

Utah state court records paint a picture of a troubled past with Openshaw.

Last year, he was convicted of impaired driving and carrying a dangerous weapon while under the influence, both class B misdemeanors. Openshaw was sentenced to 30 days in jail and placed on probation.

In 2010, he was convicted of an amended felony charge of attempted arson. Openshaw broke out the window of a vehicle at Wheeler Historic Farm in Murray, threw gasoline inside and lit it on fire, according to court records.

Before being sentenced on his attempted arson case, several family members and friends submitted letters to the judge. Several talked about how Openshaw was a hard worker and a caring person who had a troubled childhood and was placed in a foster home early in his life.

His grandmother wrote that he was able to work his way from being placed in special education classes to a mainstream setting.

"I know he has made some unwise choices, but I don't feel he is a failure," Marilyn Workman wrote in a letter to the court in 2011.

Openshaw reportedly graduated from Woods Cross High School in 2009 and has worked various jobs, including at a car dealership and as a landscaper, carpenter and electrician.

Openshaw's former LDS Church bishop also submitted a letter to the court that stated, "I also believe that Zane is a good young man, who with help and guidance will be able to become a responsible citizen."

E-mail: preavy@desnews.com

Twitter: DNewsCrimeTeam