Man Charged After Wrong-Way DUI Kills Motorcyclist; ICE Detainer Placed, Records Show

A wrong-way collision on Interstate 640 West in Knoxville on the evening of Jan. 18 has resulted in criminal charges and an immigration detainer, according to court and jail records.

Eric Ramon Alcantara-Guevara is shown in a booking photo. Authorities said he has been charged in connection with a deadly motorcycle crash in Knoxville.(Fox News)

Police identified the defendant as 27-year-old Eric Ramon Alcantara-Guevara. Knoxville Police Department officers say they responded at about 7:15 p.m. to reports of a vehicle traveling the wrong way near the Broadway exit, where it collided with a westbound motorcycle. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene; authorities have not released the rider’s name pending notification of next of kin.

Emergency crews respond to a fatal motorcycle crash in Knoxville, as seen in traffic camera video.

Arrest, Charges and Bond

Investigators report occupants of the passenger vehicle fled before officers arrived. Responding units located Alcantara-Guevara a short time later; police say he attempted to run but was quickly apprehended and taken into custody. He faces charges of vehicular homicide, driving under the influence (DUI) and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced in September there were more than 1,000 287(g) program agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies, a 641% increase from 135 programs.

Court and jail records show multiple warrants were issued on Jan. 19, including a $125,000 pretrial bond set on the vehicular homicide charge. Those records also show an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hold was placed the same day, indicating federal authorities believe he may be in the country unlawfully. ICE has not publicly confirmed his immigration status or whether the agency had prior contact with him.

Court Schedule and Investigation

Alcantara-Guevara appeared for required 48-hour bond hearings on Jan. 20 and is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 26, court documents show. The Knoxville Police Department said the investigation into the crash remains active, and local officials have not released additional details.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R‑Tenn.) called for strict punishment and deportation, saying: "Eric Ramon Alcantara‑Guevara should face the full wrath of American justice, and he should be deported. 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."

Fox News Digital and local outlets reported that the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and ICE were contacted for comment; as of the latest records, no additional statements have been released.