VIDALIA — A Vidalia police officer was fired Wednesday on multiple charges stemming from a June 1 incident.

Police cited former officer Craig Simmons for allegedly fleeing an officer, careless operation and speeding — 75 mph in a 35 mph zone. All charges are misdemeanors.

“He wasn’t arrested because the charges weren’t serious enough,” Assistant Police Chief Bruce Wiley said.

Simmons was riding a motorcycle west on the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge early Saturday morning. He was off-duty at the time.

A police officer parked at the corner of Carter Street and South Oak Street noticed a motorcycle traveling quickly into Vidalia, Wiley said. After radar clocked Simmons traveling at 75 mph, the officer began pursuit, Wiley said.

Simmons failed to stop and a second police officer joined the chase, continuing through Vidalia to a residence at 749 Moose Lodge Road, Wiley said.

Wiley said Simmons accepted the citations without argument once at the residence,

“He thought he was just going to get a slap on the wrist,” Wiley said.

Police Chief Arthur Lewis initially put Simmons on a three-day administrative leave, before a group of city officials, including City Attorney Jack McLemore and Mayor Hyram Copeland approved his dismissal.

“We are a Larsen Act community,” Wiley said. “That means there are a series of checks and balances so that the chief can’t fire whoever he wants.”

Wiley also said Simmons was previously suspended and demoted from sergeant last month on multiple violations, including showing up six hours late for a 12-hour shift.