Former Stamford police officer found not guilty in deadly crash that killed well-known pastor
Former Stamford officer Zachary Lockwood is charged with misconduct with a motor vehicle for a deadly on-duty crash in 2023 that killed a local pastor who was crossing the street.
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A former Stamford police officer who was charged in a 2023 on-duty crash that killed a local pastor was found not guilty of misconduct with a motor vehicle.
Zachary Lockwood closed his eyes and his family sobbed in relief as the verdict came down just after 4:30 p.m. Friday, following two full days of deliberations.
The six-person jury determined Lockwood was not criminally negligent when he fatally struck Rev. Tommie Jackson, a well-known pastor, as Jackson walked back to his home after checking the mailbox across the street.
Jackson's family was silent in the courtroom but visibly emotional as they hugged prosecutors and an inspector with the Milford State's Attorney's Office. They declined to comment as they left.
Lockwood's attorney, Michael Fitzpatrick, told News 12 he wasn't surprised by the verdict.
"For three years the narrative has been that Zachary Lockwood was negligent, that he was reckless, that he wasn't taking the appropriate caution. But in this trial, we were able to change that narrative," Fitzpatrick stated as his client stood beside him.
Fitzpatrick called the verdict "vindication" for Lockwood, who was a 24-year-old rookie at the time of the crash. He lost his job with Stamford police after an internal investigation into the incident. Lockwood opted to go to trial after turning down a plea offer that included two years in prison and a condition that he not be recertified as a police officer.
"We're thrilled with the verdict, but at the same time, we recognize this case is a tragedy," Fitzpatrick said.
The crash happened the afternoon of July 26, 2023, on Wire Mill Road in Stamford, a residential street with a 25 mph speed limit.
Lockwood was responding to a crash without injuries in another part of Stamford. He was initially dispatched for a nonemergency response but decided to upgrade it to an urgent response after learning that one of the drivers had returned with friends and was harassing the other driver.
Jurors had five days of testimony and evidence to consider, including Lockwood’s dashcam video. The footage showed him reaching 65 mph just before striking Jackson and traveling 46 mph while braking at the time of impact. His emergency lights were on, but his siren was not activated.
Lockwood testified in his own defense and was the final witness to take the stand during the trial.
"I'm just extremely grateful for [Mr.] Fitzpatrick, all the work he did," Lockwood said after the verdict. "I'm extremely grateful for my friends, my family. I'm just happy to be moving on with my life at this point."
The case was moved from Stamford to Milford to prevent any potential conflicts of interest with the Stamford State's Attorney's Office.
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