Hit by deputy, man's family hoping for recovery

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Charles Hill, a man walking home with his 10-year-old daughter in tow, remains in critical condition at Methodist Hospital.

Friday, Hill was walking in the 900 block of Fox Hill Drive, near his home, when he was struck by a Sheriff’s Department van driven by 5-year veteran Deputy Erich Gephart.

"I pray that God will restore Charles to good health so he can take care of his kids," said his mother Barbara Hill.

Hill was returning from a nearby playground with his daughter Macey when he was struck. The straight stretch of Fox Hill Drive is in a school zone, several hundred feet from a stop sign in an area with no sidewalks.

"I want dad to get better so we can go play again," his daughter Macy told 24-Hour News 8.

The family is holding vigil at the hospital where they granted their first interview to 24-Hour News 8.

Lawyer and family friend Jason D. May is acting as the family representative:

"We want to thank everyone for their prayers and support. We're waiting to see how Charles recovers, first and foremost. We're also interested to know the results of the blood draw and any other findings from investigators."

According to a statement released Friday:

“There were no indications that alcohol was involved. In accordance with Indiana law and Departmental policy, Gephart was taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital for a blood draw.”

IMPD is now investigating the incident and Gephart is on leave.