Knoxville, Tennessee – A deadly wrong-way crash on a Tennessee interstate has resulted in vehicular homicide charges against a 27-year-old man who jail records show is now being held on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer. The incident, which occurred Sunday night on Interstate 640 West, left a motorcyclist dead and sparked an ongoing investigation by local authorities, according to reporting by Fox News.
Wrong-Way Crash Kills Motorcyclist on I-640
According to the Knoxville Police Department, officers were dispatched around 7:15 p.m. on Jan. 18 after receiving reports of a wrong-way crash near the Broadway exit. Investigators say a passenger vehicle traveling in the opposite direction struck a westbound motorcycle.
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not yet released the victim’s identity, pending notification of next of kin.
Suspect Allegedly Fled Scene Before Arrest
Police say the occupants of the passenger vehicle fled the scene before officers arrived. A short time later, responding officers located Eric Ramon Alcantara-Guevara, 27, and took him into custody.
Investigators allege Alcantara-Guevara ran from the crash site but was quickly apprehended. He is now charged with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident knowing a death resulted.
Jail Records Show ICE Detainer
Court and jail records indicate multiple warrants were issued against Alcantara-Guevara on Jan. 19, including a $125,000 pre-trial bond for vehicular homicide. Those same records show an ICE hold was placed on him, signaling that federal immigration authorities believe he may be in the United States unlawfully.
ICE has not publicly confirmed Alcantara-Guevara’s immigration status or whether the agency had prior contact with him before his arrest.
Court Hearings Scheduled as Investigation Continues
Alcantara-Guevara appeared in court on Jan. 20 for multiple mandatory 48-hour bond hearings. Court records show he is scheduled to return to court again on Feb. 26.
The Knoxville Police Department stated that the investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and additional charges could be possible as evidence is reviewed.
Senator Calls for Deportation and Maximum Punishment
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., weighed in on the case, calling for strict punishment and deportation.
“Eric Ramon Alcantara-Guevara should face the full wrath of American justice, and he should be deported,” Blackburn said in a statement. “The Knoxville community is safer because law enforcement officers arrested this man and held him on an ICE detainer after he allegedly murdered a motorcyclist and fled the scene of the crime.”
Authorities have not released further details about the crash, and officials say updates will be provided as the case moves through the court system.
