This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A 25-year-old transient shot by West Valley City police last year after threatening an officer with a knife was sentenced Friday to prison for up to life.
Oston Shiloh Fairbourn was found guilty in September by a 3rd District Court jury of first-degree felony attempted murder for the Dec. 15 episode.
Charging documents state that West Valley City officer J. Vincent saw Fairbourn acting strangely that day as Fairbourn walked in traffic at 3500 S. 3200 West.
When Vincent approached Fairbourn, he displayed a large, fixed-blade knife, which he refused to drop when ordered, according to charging documents.
Fairbourn then stepped toward Vincent and was ordered to stop. Vincent then shot Fairbourn.
A witness told police that Fairbourn was 3-5 feet from the officer when he saw Fairbourn grab his stomach, as a result of being shot, according to charges.
Police said the gunshot wound didn't stop Fairbourn. When a backup officer arrived, he saw Fairbourn on the ground, propped up on his elbow and saw the large knife on the ground next him.
Fairbourn then rolled on top of the knife and tucked his arms under his body.
It took five officers to get Fairbourn under control, and he had to be strapped to a gurney in order to be transported to the hospital for treatment.