In a sobering update from the Stockton Police Department, the aftermath of a tragic vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision has been detailed. The accident, which occurred last Wednesday, claimed the life of one pedestrian and left another in critical condition. According to the police department's social media post, the two victims were male, aged 68 and 66, sadly with the older man succumbing to his injuries after being transported to the hospital.
Stockton Police were swift to arrive at the scene at El Dorado Street near Poplar Street, stumbling upon the collision at around 7:19 p.m. "The sergeant located two adult male pedestrians in the roadway and a white SUV stopped along the west curb line," the department conveyed. Emergency responders from American Medical Response and the Stockton Fire Department provided immediate care, yet were unable to save the 68-year-old. The Police Department Traffic Unit took over the investigation, ensuring to carefully follow standard operating policies and procedures.
The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office has also been brought into the loop, with a supervising Deputy District Attorney and the DA Victim Witness Unit supporting the investigative effort. Notably, the driver identified as Johnny Ford remained at the scene, cooperated fully during the inquiry, and was found to have no signs of impairment, a fact evidenced by a breathalyzer test. The finding was that the driver was not at fault, aligning with California Vehicle Code section 21954(a) concerning pedestrian right-of-way. The department stated, "The investigation indicates that this was a tragic, unforeseeable accident with no criminal liability." All this information is provided based on the follow-up post by the Stockton Police Department.
The Police Department expressed its heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this heartbreaking event. "A tragedy of this nature impacts many lives, and we hold each of them in our thoughts," the statement read. They affirmed their commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation in partnership with the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office, and implored the community to keep in thought all those touched by the tragedy.
