Rutland Police Department, Vermont
End of Watch Friday, July 7, 2023
Police Officer Jessica Ebbighausen was killed when her patrol car was struck head-on by a suspect vehicle being pursued by other officers at about 3:00 pm.
Officers responding to a burglary in progress on East Washington Street began pursuing the suspect who was driving a pickup truck. Officer Ebbighausen, along with her training officer, was responding from the opposite direction. As the pursuit entered the intersection of Stratton Road and Woodstock Avenue, the suspect vehicle crossed the center line and collided with Officer Ebbighausen’s patrol car head-on. The truck then collided with a second patrol car.
Officer Ebbighausen succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Two other officers and the suspect were injured in the collision. The man was taken into custody.
The subject was charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and attempting to elude police, both with death resulting.
Officer Ebbighausen was a part-time officer in field training in preparation for attending the Vermont Police Academy to become a full-time officer the following month. She is survived by her parents, two brothers, maternal grandmother, paternal grandparents, and boyfriend.
