Press Release: Guilty Verdict in Fatal Utility Pole Crash That Killed Deputy
DANVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — Juan Gomez, a 21-year-old driver from Plainfield, has been found guilty of underage drunken driving and operating a vehicle without a license, following a tragic accident that resulted in the death of Hendricks County Deputy Fred Fislar. The bench trial concluded on Tuesday in Hendricks Circuit Court.
The incident occurred on April 15 when Gomez, who was 20 at the time, crashed his 2009 silver Honda Accord into a utility pole along South State Road 267, near the north edge of Plainfield. As Deputy Fislar responded to the crash at approximately 11:50 p.m., he attempted to assist Gomez, only to be electrocuted by a downed power line. The deputy later succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.
Gomez was apprehended later at Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis, where he was treated for burns sustained during the crash. He reportedly entered the United States illegally from Guatemala, as revealed in court documents.
In light of the verdict, Judge Dan Zielinski sentenced Gomez to jail time, with the possibility of release on June 23 given credit for time served. The case has garnered significant attention, raising concerns about underage drinking and unlicensed driving, particularly in relation to the tragic loss of Deputy Fislar, a dedicated member of the community.
Deputy Fislar’s death has left a deep impact on the Hendricks County law enforcement community and the residents they serve. Authorities are urging increased awareness and enforcement of traffic laws to prevent such incidents in the future.
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