RUTLAND, VERMONT: A tragic incident unfolded on Friday afternoon, July 7, as a rookie police officer lost her life and two others were injured when a burglary suspect crashed into their police car during a pursuit. The officer, identified as Jessica Ebbighausen, 19, was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the Rutland City Police Department and the local community devastated.
The pursuit began when the officers were chasing a truck driven by 20-year-old Tate Rheaume, who had allegedly attempted to break into a house, according to the Vermont State Police. Tragically, Rheaume's vehicle crossed the center line of the road, resulting in a head-on collision with Officer Ebbighausen's cruiser. The truck then collided with another police vehicle, causing significant damage.
Who was Jessica Ebbighausen?
Officer Jessica Ebbighausen, just 19 years old, had recently started working part-time with the Rutland City Police Department, and she was scheduled to begin her full-time training at the Vermont Police Academy in August. Her dreams of becoming a police officer, harbored since the age of nine, were abruptly cut short in this devastating accident. During a press conference on Friday night, Rutland City Police Chief Brian Kilcullen expressed the department's deep grief, stating, “I think it’s more important now than ever to ask for the support of the community. We’re hurting. I think with the events of this week, I think you can probably imagine that it’s not an easy job. A young woman, who for years, longed to be a police officer. Since she was nine years old. It’s all she wanted to be.” Kilcullen added, "She always had a smile on her face. We were looking forward to having her as part of our family."
Officer Ebbighausen, who was the granddaughter of former Police Commission Chairman Robert Ebbighausen, had already made a lasting impact on her colleagues, who remember her as a dedicated and passionate individual. The news of her untimely death sent shockwaves through the community, resulting in an outpouring of support. A procession of police cruisers escorted Officer Ebbighausen's body to the medical examiner's office in Burlington, paying tribute to the fallen officer along Route 7 from Rutland to Burlington. On Saturday, State Police escorted her back to Rutland.
A mourning community pays tribute
Outside the Rutland City Police Department, a memorial of flowers and messages has been created in memory of the young officer. The community stands united in their grief and support for Officer Ebbighausen's family and the Rutland City Police Department during this difficult time. The Vermont State Police are conducting an investigation into the fatal incident to determine the exact cause of the crash. Lieutenant Colonel Jim Whitcomb mentioned during a press conference that speed and substance abuse were being looked at as potential factors.
The two injured officers were promptly taken to an area hospital, where they are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Their identities have not been disclosed.
Tate Rheaume, the burglary suspect who caused the fatal crash, was also injured and is currently in custody at the UVM Medical Center. The Rutland County State Attorney's office has filed multiple charges against Rheaume, including grossly negligent operation of a motor vehicle with death resulting and attempting to elude with death resulting. It is not yet known if Rheaume has a criminal record or if there are any open cases against him. Rheaume's bail has been set at $500,000, and he is scheduled to be arraigned on July 10, according to The Boston Globe.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott expressed his condolences and deep sadness over the tragic loss of Officer Jessica Ebbighausen. "I am deeply saddened by the death of Jessica Ebbighausen, a Rutland City police officer tragically killed in a vehicle crash while on duty today. My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends, all members of the Rutland City Police Department, and the entire Rutland community," Scott said in a statement. "The Vermont State Police and the Department of Fish and Wildlife will offer support as they all work to respond to this loss. This is a reminder of the risks our officers face every day, and my thoughts are with all of them tonight," he added.
