Longtime Rapides Parish Sheriff Killed in Crash

(KMDL-FM) Sheriff's Deputies in Rapides Parish have confirmed that a former Louisiana Sheriff was the victim of a fatal hit-and-run incident that took place near Hineston, Louisiana, on Monday afternoon. The crash claimed the life of former Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton.

Deputies received reports of a hit-and-run crash around 1 pm on Monday. Upon arrival, first responders found Hilton with severe injuries. A medical helicopter was called in to airlift the former Sheriff to a local hospital. Sadly, Hilton succumbed to his injuries.

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Based on information from a report published by Alexandria television station KALB, shortly after Hilton was airlifted from the scene, deputies with RPSO located a suspect vehicle that was believed to be involved in the crash.

Suspect Led Deputies on a High Speed Pursuit

Rapides Parish Deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on LA 28 near Leavines Road, but the suspect refused to stop. It was reported that the suspect vehicle left the scene at a high rate of speed. Deputies later used spike strips to disable the vehicle. It was reported that during the pursuit, the suspect vehicle exceeded 100 mph.

The suspect was arrested following the deployment of spike strips on LA 28 near Cloverleaf Boulevard. As of this report, the suspect's name has not been released.

William Earl Hilton served as Sheriff of Rapides Parish for 16 years. He retired in 2000 following those years of service. During my time in Alexandria, I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Sheriff Hilton. From my personal experience, he genuinely appreciated the opportunity to serve the people of the parish.

CENLA Residents React to Death of William Earl Hilton

Those sentiments were echoed even louder by those who knew him and worked with him through his years of public service.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hilton family, his extended family at the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Department, and to all the men and women of law enforcement who had the pleasure of knowing, working, and learning from Sheriff Hilton.