Chickasaw PD investigates accident involving cruiser

CHICKASAW, Ala.(WALA) - As area residents question early reports, the Chickasaw Police Department continues its internal investigation into an accident involving a police cruiser and a family car.

Investigators said two officers in a police cruiser were responding to a burglary call when their car collided with the vehicle at the Delaware Street and Thompson Boulevard intersection in Chickasaw on Thursday, January 31.

Neighbors are questioning some of the preliminary reports from CPD.

Cheryl Tucker lives near the scene of the accident. She said she was driving on Thompson Boulevard when the accident happened and witnessed the crash.

“No lights, no sirens. There was a stop sign. (The officer) ran right through it and right into this family," said Tucker.

Tucker said a Chickasaw police cruiser didn't give the family a chance to move out the way before she said it came barreling down the street.

"We are the only ones that actually saw what happened. I mean maybe somebody was looking out their windows, but I know for a fact (the officer was) running the stop sign, no lights and no sirens," said Tucker.

Sandra Spurlock lives near the accident site. She said she was sitting outside when the accident happened and said she heard the crash, but does not remember hearing sirens.

"All of a sudden, I just heard a crash, and I got up and knew it had been an accident," said Spurlock.

Authorities said early reports revealed a different story.

"That lights and sirens were on, activated on the patrol car, as they were en route," said Chickasaw Police Department Sgt. Tommy McDuffie.

Daneica Vassel and her two children were in the car and she said she did not hear sirens when the accident happened.

"I would have stopped and pulled over because every time I hear sirens, I stop and pull over to see where they are coming from," said Vassel.

Dash camera video could set the record straight. FOX10 News reached out to the Alabama State Troopers and the Police Department and will request to see the video.