Executive Summary
- Stockton City Manager Johnny Ford was found not responsible for a fatal collision involving two pedestrians.
- The accident on Jan. 22 resulted in the death of a 68-year-old man and critical injuries to a 66-year-old man.
- Police determined the pedestrians violated California Vehicle Code by crossing outside a crosswalk.
- Ford cooperated fully, showed no signs of impairment, and passed a breathalyzer test.
- The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office monitored the investigation to ensure impartiality.
Stockton City Manager Johnny Ford has been found not responsible for a fatal collision that resulted in the death of one pedestrian and critical injuries to another. A preliminary investigation conducted by the Stockton Police Department concluded that the incident, which occurred on the evening of January 22, was an accident with no criminal liability attached to the driver.
According to the police report, the collision took place at approximately 7:19 p.m. on North El Dorado Street near Poplar Street. A police sergeant driving through the area discovered the scene, locating two male pedestrians in the roadway and a white SUV stopped along the west curb line. Authorities confirmed that Ford was driving his personal vehicle at the time and remained at the scene to cooperate fully with investigators.
Emergency medical personnel provided immediate lifesaving measures, but a 68-year-old man was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital. The second victim, a 66-year-old man, sustained life-threatening injuries and remained in critical condition in the intensive care unit as of Sunday, police stated.
Investigators noted that Ford displayed no signs of impairment, and a breathalyzer test confirmed the absence of alcohol. To ensure a thorough and impartial review, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office dispatched a supervising deputy district attorney and members of the Victim-Witness Unit to monitor the investigation, which was led by the police department’s traffic unit and a major case investigator.
The determination that Ford was not at fault was based on physical evidence and witness statements aligning with California Vehicle Code section 21954 (a). Police officials explained that the pedestrians were crossing outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, creating an immediate hazard that required them to yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles.
Investigative Conclusion
The preliminary findings in this case underscore the strict application of traffic safety laws regarding pedestrian right-of-way. By citing the specific vehicle code violation committed by the pedestrians, authorities have classified the event as an unforeseeable tragedy rather than a criminal offense. The involvement of the District Attorney’s Office during the on-scene investigation highlights the procedural steps taken to ensure transparency involving high-ranking city officials. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with this incident.
