KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- There have been legal challenges to red-light cameras, but shooting one up may be a first.

Traffic Cam Shot

At least it is in Knoxville, Tenn., where a man has been charged for allegedly firing several rounds from a high-powered hunting rifle at a traffic camera.

Police said 47-year-old Clifford Edward Clark III said he shot at a red light camera in an attempt to avoid a ticket.

Officers were on patrol around 2 a.m. Sunday when they heard shots and found Clark in his car with a hunting rifle, WSMV-TV In Nashville reported.

Authorities then spotted the damaged camera with three holes in it.

Clark is charged with felony vandalism and reckless endangerment.

According WBIR-TV, investigators found a Ruger M77, Mack II 30-60 Rifle, and a new box of bullets with four missing. Police said one of the bullets went through the camera's casing.

Police said they have no record of Clark getting a citation from a red-light camera. However, records are only current through Nov. 20.

Clark faces a $50 fine and the loss of his gun if convicted.