What at first appeared to be a fatal car crash is now under criminal investigation after police say the victim had been involved in a fight just moments prior to the accident.

The Vicksburg Police Department announced late Thursday evening it was conducting an investigation into the death of Gary Hardy, 44, of Vicksburg, who was pronounced dead at the scene of the one-vehicle crash that occurred just before 5:30 p.m.

Officials said Hardy had sustained injuries a few moments before the crash in an altercation with another male in the parking lot of the JPK Food Mart on Halls Ferry Road.

Police have identified a person of interest in the case and the investigation is continuing.