A question about 'present perfect or present simple?', please

Hi there beloved teachers,  

I heard the following sentene in a movie -and I'm sure I heard it correctly - but I'm not sure whether it was appropriate or correct in careful written English. I think it was used casually. I'd like to have your opinions on this, please. 

Here's the sentence: 

- Ever since that incident happened, I feel like there's something in the room with me; something strange. 

Actually, I have learnt that we don't use the present simple the way it's used in the above sentence. I mean the preceding part 'Ever since...' is in past simple, and I've learnt that we use the present perfect before or after a clause that contains 'since + past simple', for example I haven't seen her since that incident happened. OR I've known her since I met her. NOT I don't see her since that incident happened OR I know her since I met her.

So If what I've learnt it correct, shouldn't the original sentence be: Ever since that incident happened, I have felt like there's something in the room with me?

Thank you.