A 20-year-old Vermont resident, Tate Rheaume, is facing charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle and attempting to elude police, both resulting in death, following a tragic incident last week. He pleaded not guilty to these charges on Monday.

The charges stem from a high-speed chase on Friday that ended with the death of 19-year-old Rutland City Police Officer Jessica Ebbighausen. According to authorities, Rheaume's pickup truck crossed the center line during the pursuit, colliding head-on with Officer Ebbighausen's cruiser. The impact ejected the officer, who was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt, from her vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The image above, provided by Vermont State Police, depicts law enforcement officers escorting Officer Ebbighausen's body from the medical examiner's office back to Rutland on Saturday, July 8, 2023.

The collision also involved another police cruiser, resulting in injuries to two additional officers and Rheaume himself. Court documents reveal that Rheaume admitted to investigators that he did not stop for police because he was worried an arrest would negatively impact his chances of joining the Marine Corps.

The pursuit began after Rheaume allegedly broke into the home of his ex-girlfriend, with whom he shares two children. Concerned about his well-being, she had taken the children to her grandmother's residence. Her boyfriend subsequently alerted authorities after observing Rheaume on their home security camera.

In a statement to police, Rheaume confessed to fleeing because he didn't want to get into trouble. He expressed his desire to join the Marines and believed an arrest would jeopardize that goal. He also admitted to using cannabis earlier that day and taking multiple prescription medications. He rated his level of impairment at the time of the accident as a seven or eight out of ten.

Rheaume's attorney requested his release without bail under the supervision of his sister, citing his strong family ties and lack of prior criminal history. However, the judge set bail at $100,000, concurring with prosecutors that Rheaume's actions warranted a substantial amount.