Arraignment for Stamford police officer who struck and killed beloved community pastor

Lockwood faces a “misconduct with a motor vehicle” charge but the attorney representing the family of the Rev. Tommie Jackson filed a motion asking the charge to be upgraded to “manslaughter with a motor vehicle.”

Nicole Alarcon Soares and Frank Recchia

Feb 21, 2024, 10:12 PM

Updated 288 days ago

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Officer Zachary Lockwood appeared for his arraignment on Wednesday at the Stamford Superior Court charged in connection to the death of a beloved local pastor.
Lockwood faces a "misconduct with a motor vehicle" charge but the attorney representing the family of the Rev. Tommie Jackson filed a motion asking the charge to be upgraded to "manslaughter with a motor vehicle."
The judge did not address Darnell Crosland's motion in court on Wednesday.
The motion filed by Crosland notes that Lockwood was speeding to respond to a minor car accident on July 26 when his police vehicle struck and killed Jackson outside Jackson's home.
Lockwood left the courthouse surrounded by dozens of police officers and did not answer questions.
In an exclusive interview with News 12 Connecticut, Erin Jackson, the daughter of the victim said the scene outside of court brought concern to the family.
"It appeared to be an intimidation tactic. It was concerning; it was a complete disregard for the victim in this case," the daughter said.
Attorney Crosland said they expected police to stand with the family's victim.
"The top brass should be reaching out saying 'Wow, we thought this was just a simple accident, but we see that the behavior of this gentleman was so egregious that we want to let you guys know that we stand with you.' We didn't hear that," said Crosland.
Officials said Lockwood is out on bond.
The case has been moved to Milford, where Lockwood is set to appear March 22.