Rolla Man Receives Life Sentence

A Phelps County man was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday after firing at police.

42-year-old Eric Hollingsworth was sentenced to life in prison on charges of armed criminal action with a firearm. Hollingsworth was also facing charges of resisting arrest, unlawful use of a weapon and shooting at a person.

According to prosecutors and court documents, authorities were investigating a shoplifting when they came in contact with Hollingsworth, who then ran from law enforcement. After a short chase, he opened fire on police.

Police were able to arrest Hollingsworth following a short standoff.

The life sentence was handed down due to prior felonies on Hollingsworth’s record.