A Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office jail officer is facing multiple criminal charges after police say he fled at high speed and crashed his vehicle during a chase in Evansville. Authorities confirmed the officer is no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.
A High-Speed Run on U.S. 41
According to an affidavit, Evansville Police Department officers observed an orange Dodge Charger speeding northbound on U.S. 41 near Columbia Street, traveling alongside a red Ford Mustang with both vehicles exceeding the speed limit. Officers reported the Charger making aggressive lane changes while accelerating rapidly.
Investigators estimated the Charger reached speeds of roughly 100 miles per hour in a zone posted for 45 miles per hour. Police say officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver continued north. The pursuit ended when the Charger crashed into a parking lot near the intersection of U.S. 41 and South Road 57, causing property damage.
Identifying the Driver
The driver was identified as 20-year-old Hezekiah Fils-Aime, who at the time was employed as a jail officer with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office. Police say a passenger was also in the vehicle and told officers they didn’t understand why the driver was operating the car so aggressively.
According to police, Fils-Aime said he was driving northbound on U.S. 41 near Lynch Road when a Mustang pulled up next to him at a traffic light. He said both vehicles accelerated when the light changed but denied knowing the Mustang’s driver or intentionally participating in a race.
The Charges
Following the crash, officers arrested Fils-Aime and booked him into the Vanderburgh County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including resisting law enforcement, reckless driving at high speed, participating in a motor vehicle speed contest, and reckless driving resulting in property damage — charges that have not yet been proven in court.
The Sheriff Responds
Sheriff Noah Robinson addressed public reaction to the arrest, emphasizing that the Sheriff’s Office holds its employees to strict professional standards. He pushed back on online speculation suggesting favoritism or a cover-up, calling such claims unfounded and inconsistent with the agency’s record, while stressing that misconduct isn’t tolerated and accountability applies to all personnel regardless of position.
Authorities confirmed Fils-Aime is no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Office. Police say the case remains under investigation, with additional information expected as it becomes available.