UPDATE

It is with such deep and profound sadness that we share the news that former Sheriff William E. Hilton was the victim in today’s hit and run in Hineston. The facts of the incident are still under investigation.  

We are also devastated in reporting Sheriff Hilton has passed away from those traumatic injuries he sustained in this horrible and senseless event. 

Sheriff Hilton’s  leadership, dedication, and service to our community have left a lasting impact, and we know this loss will be felt by many parish, state and country wide.  

Please keep his family, friends and the RPSO Family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this difficult time together.   

We will share additional information as it becomes available

ORIGINAL

HINESTON, La. — A hit-and-run in the Hineston area triggered a high-speed pursuit Wednesday that ended with a suspect in custody after law enforcement deployed spike strips to stop the fleeing vehicle.

Rapides Parish Sheriff’s deputies received a report shortly before 1 p.m. of a hit-and-run in which the suspect allegedly struck a victim with a vehicle and intentionally fled the scene.

Deputies arriving at the scene found the victim suffering from severe injuries. The victim was airlifted to a hospital. Condition was not immediately available.

Deputies obtained a description of the suspect vehicle — a blue Nissan — and broadcast it to area law enforcement agencies.

Deputies and Louisiana State Police troopers located the vehicle on Louisiana 28 at Leavines Road traveling eastbound at high speed. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the suspect refused to comply, accelerated and fled, initiating a pursuit.

The suspect continued east, reaching speeds exceeding 100 mph. Officers deployed spike strips, disabling the vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident at the intersection of Louisiana 28 and Cloverleaf Boulevard.

The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be released at a later time.