Published on: December 1, 2024, 12:20h.

Last updated on: December 1, 2024, 12:20h.

A man is facing criminal charges after driving a vehicle off the Bally’s Evansville Casino & Hotel parking garage in Indiana last week.

The suspect, Jeremiah Oldham, received medical treatment after the crash.

He drove his vehicle to the seventh floor of the garage, pushed a concrete barrier, and plowed through a wall in a restricted area, as reported by Indiana TV station WEHT.

The vehicle landed on the roof of the casino before ending up upside down inside a casino building.

Authorities mentioned that Oldham was driving at a high speed within the garage.

His injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Prior to this incident, Oldham was previously arrested for failing to possess identification as a sex offender, according to Indiana TV station WEVV.

In 2011, Oldham was convicted of possessing child pornography in Kentucky, receiving a 78-month prison sentence. He was put on probation thereafter.

Oldham has a history of mental health issues and has been diagnosed with psychosis,” WEVV reported, citing a recent probation report.

Missed Medication

Last month, Oldham missed doses of his medication and voiced concerns that people were plotting against him. He also expressed mistrust towards mental health professionals who were treating him, according to WEVV.

Authorities urged him to go to a hospital, but Oldham did not comply, as reported by Jo Hillgorth, a federal probation officer.

Instead, Oldham requested weapons for self-defense, but was denied due to his probation status. However, knives and a stun gun were found during a search on November 8.

Oldham’s noncompliance with medication, coupled with his actions in driving off the parking garage, posed a significant risk to the staff and patrons at the casino,” according to court documents.

Building Damage

The estimated repair cost for the damage caused to the casino complex is over $50,000.

Local reports indicated a significant water leak after the incident, which was promptly addressed.

The Evansville Police Department promptly responded to the scene, evacuating the garage and affected parts of the building.

The casino and garage were later reopened following the investigation.

No other injuries were reported, and the vehicle was removed from the building within nine hours, according to the Evansville Fire Department.

Traffic in the proximity was temporarily rerouted.