Car accident involved police cruiser

CHICKASAW, Ala. (WALA) - A family of four is recovering from a car accident involving a Chickasaw police cruiser.

Authorities said two officers were responding to a burglary call when they collided with the vehicle at the Delaware Street and Thompson Boulevard intersection in Chickasaw.

Michelle Irby didn't see the crash, but she heard it. When she came outside, she saw a mangled car in her back yard and a family in distress.

"I heard a loud crash and wheels squealing," said Irby. "Her oldest son was already out of the car. She had fallen out of the car on the ground. Her daughter was inside car. The car was smashed in on her side and they had to use the jaws of life to get her out of the car, " she said.

Daneica Vassel and her two children were in the car.  

"Air bags came out. My children were screaming and bleeding and it was horrible," said Vassel.

The Vassels are recovering from a number of injuries. Their car is totaled, but they are grateful to be alive.

Vassel said the police car hit the passenger side as she was driving down Thompson Boulevard. She said she was not issued any tickets and believes the police car was speeding and had it's lights on, but the sirens were not.

"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.

An internal investigation is underway at Chickasaw Police Department. Authorities said, however, the early findings reveal a different side of the story.
 
"That lights and sirens were on activated on the patrol car as they were en route," said Chickasaw Police Department Sgt. Tommy McDuffie.
 
Either way authorities said the internal investigation will reveal if the officers were at fault and if they were, the totaled car will likely be taken care of.