Jerome Man Who Shot Cop May Go To Prison

A Jerome man faces up to 40 years in prison for several charges including shooting a Jerome police officer.  30 year old Christopher Taylor appeared in 5^th District Court in Jerome County this week on charges of felony aggravated battery on a police officer with a weapons enhancement.  Taylor entered an Alford Plea which means he did not admit guilt but admitted there is enough evidence to convict.  Taylor also admitted to being a persistent violator.  Taylor shot Jerome police officer Dennis Clark in the face with a shotgun during a high speed chase in rural Jerome County.  Officer Clark survived but is now blind in one eye.  Charges of felony eluding a police officer and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon were dropped.  Taylor was on parole during this incident after being sentenced to ten years in prison on drug and other charges.  His sentencing is set for late October.