Stockton police have emphasized that their investigation into a fatal vehicle-pedestrian collision involving City Manager Johnny Ford last week remains ongoing, saying that early findings are not final amid concerns from the public.
In a statement Tuesday, the Stockton Police Department said a final determination will be made only after all investigative steps are completed. Police acknowledged concerns raised by community members after a preliminary assessment found the driver, who was Ford, was not at fault, stressing that such early conclusions are based on limited information and could change.
The collision occurred around 7:20 p.m. Thursday on El Dorado Street near Poplar Street. Police said Ford was driving his personal vehicle when it struck two pedestrians. A 68-year-old man died after being taken to a hospital, and a 66-year-old man suffered major injuries and remained in critical condition as of Sunday.
Authorities said Ford cooperated with police and passed a breathalyzer test. They also said the pedestrians were crossing outside a marked crosswalk, a factor that limited the driver’s criminal liability in the preliminary review.
The investigation is being conducted in coordination with the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office.
Police said detectives are continuing to analyze physical evidence, review surveillance and other footage, verify witness statements, examine technical data and collision reconstruction findings, and work with prosecutors. They are asking anyone with information to contact the department’s public information office at (209) 937-8209.
The statement follows comments from Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee, who has expressed his support for Ford’s return to duty based on the preliminary findings and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
City officials said they remain committed to transparency and accountability as the investigation continues.
