Man arrested for shooting at Pocatello police is sentenced

Zachary Lee Davis, 24, was sentenced Monday in court to a total of 16 years fixed jail time and seven years indeterminate.

Davis was arrested Oct. 14, 2015, for shooting at Pocatello police officers.

Davis had previous charges out on grand theft and eluding warrants. The shooting began when police tried to arrest him at a traffic stop. Police said Davis fired three shots at a patrol vehicle before running from police.

Davis was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, one count eluding police and one count of a felon in possession of a firearm. Davis also had previous felony charges of one count grand theft, one count possession of a financial transaction card and one count attempting to elude a police officer in a motor vehicle.

In court Monday morning, the defense argued there was a need for mental illness treatment. The defense said Davis claimed mental illness was the reason for shooting at police. Davis claimed he was attempting suicide by cop and was shooting into the air, never actually intending to harm police officers.

Judge David Nye said he agrees there’s a need for mental health treatment, but he doesn’t believe there was no intent to harm the officers.

Davis was facing a maximum of 35 years for all charges.

Nye ruled for the first count of aggravated assault with no enhancement to four years fixed jail time and one-year indeterminate. For the aggravated assault charge with enhancement, Nye ruled eight years fixed.

For the charge of eluding an officer, Davis was sentenced to two years fixed, three years indeterminate.

Nye also ruled that for criminal possession of a financial transaction card, Davis got two years fixed and three years indeterminate.

All charges total 16 years fixed jail time and seven years indeterminate.

Nye also revoked probation and reinstated the previous sentencing.

Nye said while he recognizes there are some mental health issues at play, in this case, it does not excuse criminal activity.

“I do understand there are some mental health issues here, but public safety is what I have to look at, and given the situation, I feel there’s nothing else I can do,” Nye said.