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WEST POINT — A wanted parole fugitive with known gang affiliations was arrested Tuesday following an officer-involved shooting in Davis County in which no one was injured, according to police.
On Tuesday, the Davis County Sheriff’s Office reported that a deputy was involved in a shooting about 10 a.m. near 4600 West and 800 North in West Point. Deputies responded to the area on a report of a “suspicious male.”
“Shots were fired, no one was injured. The male was transported to the hospital for an unrelated medical issue,” the sheriff’s office said in a prepared statement.
Zachary T. Mendelkow, 35, was later booked into the Davis County Jail for investigation of aggravated kidnapping, attempted aggravated murder, possession of a firearm by a restricted person, aggravated assault and aggravated burglary.
Deputies responded to that area looking for Mendelkow, a parole fugitive who was allegedly staying in a camper in the backyard of a residence.
“Davis County deputies responded, and an officer-involved shooting took place,” a police affidavit states. “Subsequent to this, investigators were informed that Mendelkow is a suspect from a kidnapping that occurred in West Point early the same morning of Feb. 25.”
Police say Mendelkow entered another West Point home about 3:30 a.m. armed with a gun. He pointed the gun at the homeowner and forced the homeowner to drive him to a store in Weber County, the affidavit states.
Mendelkow made excited utterances that included him stating the context of squeezing the trigger of the firearm several times.
–Police affidavit
“After the officer-involved shooting took place, Mendelkow made excited utterances that included him stating the context of squeezing the trigger of the firearm several times. He continued with these statements post Miranda. Investigators reviewed bodycam footage that confirmed Mendelkow pointed the firearm, in close proximity, to a Davis County deputy’s face. Mendelkow was observed squeezing the trigger several times,” according to the affidavit.
“Mendelkow is a convicted felon with extensive criminal history, and gang affiliation with white supremacists,” police noted in the affidavit.
Investigators have requested Mendelkow be held without bail, and said that they will seek potential federal charges.
