Former Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton has died after being hit by a car earlier Monday in a hit-and-run crash in the Hineston area, according to the sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office confirmed Hilton's death just after 6 p.m., saying the "facts of the incident are still under investigation."

"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."

The name of the person taken into custody has not been released by the sheriff's office, which cites the "ongoing and complex investigation" in its initial news release. That was reiterated in the release announcing Hilton's death.

The report of a hit-and-run crash "where the suspect allegedly ran over the victim and intentionally fled the scene" came in just before 1 p.m., according to the release.

Hilton was taken to a hospital by a helicopter.

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The suspect was driving a blue Nissan Moreno, and it was spotted on La. Highway 28 West at Leavines Road "traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed," it reads. The driver would not stop and was driving at speeds higher than 100 mph.

Spike strips were placed on La. 28 West at Cloverleaf Boulevard, which is near the Walmart Supercenter. After running over those, the driver stopped and was taken into custody.

In announcing Hilton's death, the sheriff's office urged people to keep "his family, friends and the RPSO family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this difficult time together."

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Former Rapides Sheriff William Earl Hilton dies after hit-and-run crash