Vanderburgh County Jail Inmate Charged with Escape After Hospital Incident

Evansville, IN – A Vanderburgh County Jail inmate, Connor Spachtholz, has been charged with Escape following an incident at a local hospital on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the matter, and additional charges have been filed by hospital police.

Details of the Incident

Connor Spachtholz, 36, of Columbus, Indiana, was transported from the Vanderburgh County Jail to an area hospital for observation. A sheriff’s deputy was assigned to provide custody watch during his stay. At approximately 3:30 p.m., Spachtholz requested to use the restroom while secured with leg shackles.

After being allowed to use the restroom, Spachtholz then requested to use the shower. Shortly after, a deputy heard a loud crash originating from inside the restroom. Upon investigation, significant damage was discovered, including torn ceiling tiles, a damaged light fixture, and a section of drywall broken from above the toilet.

Spachtholz claimed the damage was accidental, attributing it to a fall while grabbing the shower curtain. However, investigators determined his account was inconsistent with the evidence, noting the shower curtain and its track remained intact. Supervising deputies and detectives documented the damage with photographs and measurements.

Charges Filed

Spachtholz has been charged with Escape as a Level 5 Felony by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office. Hospital police have filed additional charges of Criminal Mischief. He was discharged from the hospital and returned to the Vanderburgh County Jail.

Presumption of Innocence

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that an arrest and subsequent charges represent an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Pictured above: Connor Todd Spachtholz

Pictured above: Damaged hospital bathroom.