Mississippi Police Officer Killed in Fiery Wreck

A Raleigh, Mississippi police officer was killed in a fiery crash while on duty Thursday.

Officer E.P. Morris' patrol car left the roadway and struck a tree before becoming engulfed in flames around noon on Highway 18 within the city limits of Raleigh, according to The Clarion Ledger.

The veteran officer was pronounced dead on the scene.

Officials said that Morris had been with the city for about two years, but previously served with other agencies.

"He was a faithful servant to the town as a police officer. His death is certainly tragic, and it’s a loss for the entire community," Raleigh City Attorney David Garner told the newspaper. "He was a kind man who had a spirit of service. He was one of these guys that had a sweet spirit of service about him and he really enjoyed working with people."

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Funeral arrangements are pending.