Officer In Fatal Pedestrian Crash Placed On Administrative Leave: Stamford PD

STAMFORD, CT — Zachary Lockwood, the Stamford police officer who was involved in the pedestrian crash that killed the Rev. Tommie Jackson, 69, on July 26, has been placed on administrative leave, according to the Stamford Police Department.

Lockwood, 24, has been a member of the SPD since April 18, 2022, police said in an update Thursday.

The SPD will hold a joint news conference with Connecticut State Police on Friday at Stamford police headquarters beginning at 10 a.m.

Jackson had retrieved mail from a mailbox on Wire Mill Road and attempted to cross the roadway around 4:12 p.m. Wednesday, state police said.

Wire Mill Road runs from High Ridge Road to Long Ridge Road near the Merritt Parkway.

Lockwood was traveling eastbound when he noticed Jackson, and he "made an evasive steering maneuver" into the westbound lane, but the car, a 2017 Ford Explorer Interceptor Utility, hit Jackson, state police said, noting a right curve in the roadway where the collision took place.

Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw said Lockwood was responding to a call for service.

Following the collision, Lockwood performed CPR on Jackson before medical personnel arrived, Stamford police said on Thursday.

Jackson was taken to Stamford Hospital where he died from his injuries. Lockwood was taken to Greenwich Hospital. Information on any injuries was not immediately available.

State police have not provided details on if Lockwood had lights and sirens on, or how fast he was driving.

Jackson is being remembered by those who knew him as an advocate for social and racial justice, and a pillar in the community.

Assistant Stamford Police Chief Silas Redd said Thursday the department is "profoundly saddened" by Jackson's death. Jackson was a friend to many at the SPD, Redd said.

"Pastor Tommie Jackson was such a beacon of light for so many in the Stamford community, for [the] past 25-plus years. His steadfast commitment to serve those under the guidance of his pastorate, extended far and wide. The void that has been left by his untimely passing will be difficult to fill; only the passage of time will bring comfort and healing," Redd continued. "I ask that we all keep both the family of Pastor Jackson, his church family, Officer Lockwood, and his family in our thoughts and prayers during these most difficult times."

Gov. Ned Lamont tweeted about Jackson's death.

"I am incredibly saddened to learn the news of Rev. Jackson's passing. He has made such an impact on Stamford, bringing peace and comfort to those in need and advocating on behalf of underserved communities," Lamont said. "My prayers are with [Jackson's wife] Dorye and his entire family."

United States Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a friend of Jackson, took to social media Wednesday night.

"Losing Tommie Jackson is a gut punch—a warm, wise, wonderful community & faith leader, a tireless & fearless champion of social justice, & a dear friend. My heart goes out to his family," Blumenthal said.

In addition to his commitment to faith, Jackson was committed to bettering the city of Stamford. He was the assistant director of the Stamford Urban Redevelopment Commission, an agency created in 1954 that handles municipal development projects.

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons issued a statement on Jackson and the impact he had on the city.

"I am devastated and heartbroken by the untimely passing of Reverend Tommie Jackson. Reverend Jackson was a pillar in the Stamford community and led a life devoted to faith and public service," Simmons said.

"He was a larger-than-life presence who was steadfast in his advocacy for social and racial justice and touched the lives of so many through his work as [a] pastor at Rehoboth Fellowship Church and Faith Tabernacle Church, as well as assistant director of the Urban Redevelopment Commission," Simmons added. "Reverend Jackson’s decades of service and leadership made an indelible impact on the city of Stamford. I was honored to call him a friend and I will greatly miss his positive energy, wonderful sense of humor, and infectious smile."

Simmons went on to offer thoughts and prayers to Jackson's family, especially his wife, Dorye, who serves on the Stamford Police Commission.

Jackson is also survived by daughters Evinn and Erin, Simmons said.

"My thoughts and prayers are also with Officer Lockwood and his family during this very difficult time," Simmons concluded.

Superintendent of Stamford Public Schools Dr. Tamu Lucero said Jackson "was a man devoted to his faith community and the greater Stamford community, both of which he tended to with tremendous kindness, compassion and care."

Jackson held back-to-school rallies for young church members to build excitement for the upcoming school year, Lucero said, and he celebrated students' successes by distributing supplies and backpacks.

"He was an inspirational presence in our schools on Martin Luther King Day, as we honored and recognized Dr. King’s work. A steadfast supporter of Stamford Public Schools, Reverend Jackson was a dear friend whose counsel I will miss terribly," Lucero added. "This is a heartbreaking loss for all of us."

Lucero offered condolences to the Jackson and Lockwood families and the SPD.

According to a report from News 12 CT, the associate minister at Faith Tabernacle Church noted that Jackson was known for taking care of his "flock."

Rehoboth Tabernacle Church routinely posted live feeds on Facebook of Sunday service featuring Jackson.

The CT State Police Western District Major Crime Squad, along with the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad, are handling the investigation at the request of the Stamford State's Attorney's Office.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or the moments prior is asked to contact Det. Corey Clabby at corey.clabby@ct.gov, or Det. Ryan Hackett at ryan.hackett@ct.gov.

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