© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY
WECS · WEDW-FM · WNPR · WPKT · WRLI-FM · WVOF
Public Files Contact · ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

A church pastor and social activist is fatally struck by a Stamford police SUV responding to a call

Kate Heichler, Executive Director of the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut along with Dr. Tommie Jackson, pastor at the Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Stamford talk with parishioners at the end of the "Pray for the Land" gathering at the church. Sunday, July 10, 2016.
Provided / Scott Mullin
/
Hearst Connecticut Media
Kate Heichler, Executive Director of the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut along with Dr. Tommie Jackson, pastor at the Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Stamford talk with parishioners at the end of the "Pray for the Land" gathering at the church. Sunday, July 10, 2016.

A police officer responding to a call struck and killed a well-known church pastor in Stamford, authorities said.

Stamford Police Officer Zachary Lockwood was driving a police department Ford Explorer around a curve on Wire Mill Road, when his vehicle hit Tommie Jackson shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to a Connecticut State Police accident report.

Investigators say Jackson was crossing the street to get the mail near his home.

Jackson, 69, was a pastor at Rehoboth Fellowship Church and Faith Tabernacle Church and an assistant director of the Stamford Urban Redevelopment Commission.

Upon observing Jackson, Lockwood, 24, “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 said Jackson was taken to Stamford Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

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.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said that Jackson's death was a "gut punch." In a note on Twitter, Blumenthal described Jackson as a "warm, wise, wonderful" community and faith leader and a "tireless and fearless champion of social justice."

Reverend Dr. Thomas L. Nins of First Baptist Church Greenwich said he knew Jackson for 20 years. Nins said Jackson was someone who cared about his community and was a committed social justice advocate.

"He was intentionally impactful in the life of his congregation, in the life of his community, in the life of his colleagues, and certainly in the life of his family," Nins said.

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. A department spokesperson did not immediately respond to a message seeking further information Thursday.

No charges had been filed Thursday.

The officer's union, the Stamford Police Association, posted on Facebook, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those impacted by this terrible tragedy.”

A message seeking further comment was left with the union.

Connecticut Public's Eddy Martinez, Matt Dwyer, Eric Aasen, Patrick Skahill and The Associated Press contributed to this report. This story has been updated.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content