Peoria, Ill., police identify officer in accident that killed 2-year-old

PEORIA, Ill. -- Police in Peoria have released the name of the officer who was driving a police vehicle that struck and killed a 2-year-old girl last week, and they say he does not appear to have been to blame in the accident.

Officer Jim Krider, 37, was at the wheel of a prisoner-transport van when Aniya Alexander stepped into the street Thursday night and was struck by the vehicle.

Authorities say Krider was transporting six prisoners from the Peoria County Jail to the downtown police station for a lineup. They say he was driving at a normal rate of speed.

Peoria Police spokesman Doug Burgess said Krider is on paid leave at the moment, but that is standard practice after a fatal accident. He said Krider is not under investigation.