Connecticut State Police are investigating after a reverend was hit by a police cruiser in Stamford and died.
The Stamford Police Department said a resident was struck on Wire Mill Road at about 4:15 p.m. The resident, identified as 69-year-old Tommie Jackson, was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died.
Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons said Reverend Tommie Jackson “was a pillar in the Stamford community and led a life devoted to faith and public service.”
Jackson was a pastor at Rehoboth Fellowship Church and Faith Tabernacle Church and the assistant director of the Urban Redevelopment Commission. Jackson’s wife, Dorye, is a Stamford Police Commissioner.
Officer Zachary Lockwood was on duty at the time of the crash, which happened in a residential neighborhood right by exit 35 of the Merritt Parkway.
State police said Jackson was trying to cross the road after retrieving mail from his mailbox. Lockwood tried to maneuver away after turning a curve, but ended up hitting Jackson.
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The Western District Major Crime Squad and Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad assumed the investigation.
A couple of neighbors we spoke with said Wire Mill Road isn't the safest for walking, as there are no sidewalks. It's difficult to see oncoming traffic at times, and mailboxes are across the street from homes.
Mayor Simmons released a statement Thursday morning.
“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. 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 Pastor at Rehoboth Fellowship Church and Faith Tabernacle Church, as well as Assistant Director of the Urban Redevelopment Commission. 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.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Reverend Jackson’s family, especially his wife Dorye, who honorably serves our City as a Stamford Police Commissioner, and their daughters Evinn and Erin. My thoughts and prayers are also with Officer Lockwood and his family during this very difficult time,” Simmons went on to say.
It's unknown whether or not Lockwood will face disciplinary action.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Detective Corey Clabby at corey.clabby@ct.gov or Detective Ryan Hackett at ryan.hackett@ct.gov.
