In Connecticut, United States, a tragic incident occurred when a police officer, Zachary Lockwood, who was responding to an emergency call, accidentally struck and killed a well-known pastor.
According to CBS, the 24-year-old police officer from Stamford was driving a police sport utility vehicle (SUV) when the collision occurred with 69-year-old Tommie Jackson.
The accident took place shortly after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, as documented in a Connecticut State Police accident report.
Tommie Jackson, who was not only a pastor at Rehoboth Fellowship Church and Faith Tabernacle Church but also held the position of an assistant director at the city’s Urban Redevelopment Commission, was trying to cross the road after picking up mail from a mailbox when he was struck, the report said.
Lockwood “made an evasive steering maneuver” and hit him, according to the state police, who took over the investigation at the request of the Stamford State’s Attorney’s Office.
Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw revealed that Jackson was rushed to Stamford Hospital following the accident, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
According to CBS, it is worth noting that Dorye Jackson, the wife of the victim, is actually one of the five members of the Stamford Police Commission. This commission serves as an advisory board that oversees the operations of the police department.
Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons issued a statement of condolence and said Jackson was a personal friend and a “larger-than-life presence who was steadfast in his advocacy for social and racial justice.”
“Rev. Jackson was a pillar in the Stamford community and led a life devoted to faith and public service,” she wrote.
The state police report did not include any details of the call Lockwood was responding to and did not say how fast he was driving.
