This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A Provo man who allegedly sparked a shootout with Utah County authorities who were attempting to serve a search warrant on his home has been charged with attempted murder.
In addition to the second-degree felony, Alex Janis Opmanis, 20, was also charged Tuesday in 4th District Court with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute in a drug free zone, a second-degree felony, illegally possessing a weapon, a third-degree felony, and possessing drug paraphernalia in connection with the Nov. 19 incident.
Authorities allege they announced their presence and used a ram to attempt to open the locked front door of Opmanis' home, according to a probable cause statement. The ram made a hole, but failed to open the door because it was locked.
When the door didn't open, a second officer started to kick and push the door while continuing to announce the officers' presence.
Opmanis allegedly fired a gun several times through the front door while the officer was kicking it. Police said he admitted to firing four rounds from a .22-caliber revolver at the front door because he thought it was a group of Polynesian males trying to force their way inside.
No officers were hit, but police say several were struck by either BBs from the shots fired or debris from the door and suffered injuries to their arms and faces.
Officers returned fire and Opmanis was taking into custody.
Opmanis allegedly told police that when he realized it was in fact officers at the door, he dropped his gun and surrendered.
Police said when they searched Opmanis' home they found 1.58 ounces of marijuana, a set of digital scales, two buy/owe sheets in a nightstand and a marijuana pipe.
Twitter @sltribjanelle