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Stockton Police Identify City Manager in Fatal Crash, Cite No Criminal Liability in Preliminary Finding

Investigators say Johnny Ford remained on scene with no signs of impairment.

Overview

  • Police named City Manager Johnny Ford as the driver in the Jan. 22 collision that struck two pedestrians on North El Dorado Street, one of whom died.
  • The surviving victim, a 66-year-old man, remains in critical condition after both men were transported to the hospital following on‑scene lifesaving efforts.
  • Officers report Ford was driving his personal vehicle, stayed at the scene, fully cooperated with investigators, and recorded a negative breathalyzer test.
  • A preliminary review characterizes the crash as a tragic, unforeseeable accident with no criminal liability, though the investigation remains open.
  • Relatives held a vigil and urged city leaders to be transparent, noting the deceased, identified by family as Joe Serna, used a wheelchair and relied on his brother as a caretaker.