Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Stockton Vice Mayor Backs City Manager’s Return After Fatal Pedestrian Crash

Preliminary findings from law enforcement cite no criminal liability for Johnny Ford.

Overview

  • Police identified City Manager Johnny Ford as the driver in the Jan. 22 collision that killed a 68-year-old man and critically injured his 66-year-old brother.
  • Investigators said Ford remained at the scene, fully cooperated, was driving his personal vehicle, and returned a negative breathalyzer test with no signs of impairment.
  • Stockton police described the crash as a tragic, unforeseeable accident with no criminal liability, and the investigation remains active with standard reviews underway.
  • Local News Matters reported investigators said the pedestrians were crossing outside a marked crosswalk, a factor cited in assessing criminal liability.
  • Family members identified the deceased as Joe Serna, held a vigil near North El Dorado and Poplar streets, and publicly called for greater transparency from city leaders.