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William Earl Hilton
Gender : Male
Age : 80
Race : White
Date : 03/23/2026
Location : Hineston area
City : Hineston
County : Rapides
State : Louisiana
Agency : Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office
Cause of Death : Vehicle
Event : Bystander killed by police chase crash
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On 03/23/2026, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a hit and run in the Hineston area where William Earl Hilton, a former sheriff, had been struck by a vehicle. Deputies located Hilton with severe injuries and he was airlifted to a hospital. After the crash, deputies identified the suspect vehicle and attempted a stop. The driver continued driving and police escalated a pursuit, reaching speeds over 100 mph before deploying spike strips and taking the driver into custody. Hilton died hours later from injuries caused by the crash. Authorities have not publicly released the driver’s identity as the investigation continues.
SOURCE LINKS :
https://www.kplctv.com/2026/03/23/former-rapides-sheriff-william-earl-hilton-passes-away-after-hit-and-run/
https://www.ksla.com/2026/03/23/former-rapides-sheriff-william-earl-hilton-passes-away-after-hit-and-run/
https://www.wbrz.com/news/former-rapides-parish-sheriff-killed-in-hit-and-run-monday/
