Jerome Man Pleads Guilty To Shooting Officer

A 30-year-old Jerome man has pleaded guilty to shooting a Jerome police officer during a chase in February, causing the officer to lose the sight in one eye.

Christopher Mark Taylor pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery on an officer Monday in 5th District Court. He also entered an Alford plea to felony aggravated assault on an officer. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but acknowledges prosecutors have enough evidence to gain a conviction.

Taylor was charged in February after a high-speed chase through Jerome and into Jerome County during which police officer Dennis Clark was shot in the face with a shotgun.

Sentencing is set for Oct. 24.