Police ID Sardis officer involved in deadly crash

SARDIS, MS (WMC) - The Sardis Police Department has identified the officer involved in a deadly crash Monday night while chasing a suspect.

Police Chief Steven McLarty says Officer Alex Aikens, 33, is scheduled for surgery Wednesday after being injured in the crash that killed 32-year-old Ericka Hughes. Aikens remains at a Memphis hospital in critical condition for a crushed foot and broken femur.

According to investigators, Aikens crashed into Hughes’ car while chasing a suspect on a motorcycle Monday night on Highway 315, about a half mile west of I-55. It’s not clear what prompted the chase.

Aikens was the only officer on duty at the time.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol is now investigating the crash. MHP plans to reconstruct the crash scene as part of the investigation.

Aikens is on administrative leave without pay, the police chief says Aikens has always been in good standing with the department.

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