Image Credit: Knox County Sheriff’s Office & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
An illegal immigrant who is already serving 18 years in prison with no chance for parole after pleading guilty to shooting at a state trooper back in January, is now facing a federal charge that authorities say stems from the same shooting incident.
31-year-old Eugenio Abraham Solis-Klarks was convicted of attempted first-degree murder earlier this year and was arrested after he shot at a state trooper who attempted to issue Solis-Klarks a speeding ticket in Loudon County.
Solis-Klarks was clocked going 97 mph on I-75, and when stopped by law enforcement he produced a Guatemalan Consular Identification Card.
According to District Attorney General Charme Allen’s Office, two additional state troopers arrived as backup. Solis-Klarks then fled the scene in his vehicle and all three state troopers followed him as he drove 100 mph down the interstate.
Solis-Klarks ended up losing control of his vehicle and the high-speed pursuit resulted in a crash and exchange of gunfire in Knox County.
The illegal immigrant pulled an assault rifle out of his vehicle and aimed it at one of the troopers, shooting at the officer before trying to escape the scene on foot.
Law enforcement stopped and detained Solis-Klarks, then provided him with medical assistance.
This week, Solis-Klarks was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of possessing a firearm as an illegal alien.
If he is convicted on the federal charge, Solis-Klarks may face up to a 15-year prison sentence, supervised release of up to three years, and a fine of anywhere up to $250,000.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Solis-Klarks pleaded not guilty to the charge.
A trial has been scheduled for December 2nd.
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
