EXCLUSIVE: Illegal Immigrant Accused of Firing at Tennessee Officer in High-Speed Chase
Guatemalan man Eugenio Solis Klarks accused of shooting at Tennessee officer after traffic stop turned high-speed chase. ICE has issued a detainer.
A Guatemalan man living illegally in the U.S. is facing possible deportation after allegedly opening fire on a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper during a high-speed chase, authorities confirmed.
Eugenio Abraham Solis Klarks was pulled over for speeding in Lenoir City on January 12 around 6:30 p.m. When asked for identification, he presented a Guatemalan consular ID. As officers began issuing a citation, Klarks allegedly fled, sparking a dangerous pursuit into Knox County.
According to court records, Klarks lost control of his vehicle on Watt Road. When a trooper approached, he allegedly exited the car wielding an assault rifle and aimed at the officer. Gunfire was exchanged, and Klarks was struck. Authorities later recovered multiple firearms from his vehicle.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed an immigration detainer against Klarks, who remains in custody at the Knox County Jail. He is currently charged with evading arrest, with additional charges expected.
Authorities revealed that Klarks’ vehicle was previously spotted in Macon, Georgia, and Indianapolis before the incident. The case has intensified debates over illegal immigration and crime, with Tennessee lawmakers now considering stricter enforcement policies.
Governor Bill Lee and Republican legislators are pushing a bill to create a centralized immigration enforcement division within the state’s Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security. The proposed legislation would strengthen cooperation between state, local, and federal agencies to crack down on illegal immigration and prevent crimes like the January 12 shooting.
Supporters argue that the bill will make communities safer by streamlining immigration enforcement, while critics claim it is a political distraction from other legislative issues. The debate is expected to be a focal point during an upcoming special session.
As the legal process unfolds, Klarks’ case continues to fuel nationwide discussions on border security and law enforcement’s role in handling undocumented individuals accused of violent crimes.
