This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A 31-year-old Layton man who was shot by a police officer in August has pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated murder for beating the officer before shots were fired.
Joshua Robert Isakson admitted Thursday that on Aug. 28 he assaulted his girlfriend and another woman, and during the assault told witnesses that he would kill a police officer if one came to his home, located near 500 East Miller Ave., according to court documents.
When a Layton officer responding to a 911 call entered the home, Isakson assaulted the officer in the hallway and living room area, according to court documents.
In what prosecutors called a "surprise cowardly attack," Isakson beat the officer until the officer fired three shots — two of which hit Isakson — before losing consciousness.
Isakson admitted that while assaulting the officer, he repeatedly said that he was going to kill the officer. That officer, who is not identified in court documents, suffered serious injuries and had to have multiple surgeries.
According to court documents, a witness told police that Isakson intended to kill the officer, and repeatedly said, "I'm going to kill you, mother f——— cop."
Two other officers rushed in and cuffed Isakson, who was taken to McKay-Dee Hospital for treatment of the gunshot wounds.
Isakson was originally charged in 2nd District Court withattempted aggravated murder and aggravated kidnapping, both first degree felonies, along with misdemeanor assault charges and interfering with police. As part of a plea deal, he pleaded guilty to the attempted murder counts and two counts of class A misdemeanor assault.
He faces a possible prison term of up to life when he is sentenced May 23.
Twitter: @jm_miller