Accident at Airport Way and Hazleton Avenue leaves 3 people dead
STOCKTON, CA, (January 05, 2025) - A driver fleeing police in a stolen vehicle early Sunday in Stockton crashed into another car at high speed, killing two of its occupants, according to authorities. The driver of the suspected stolen car also lost his life.
Darren Hickerson, 61, was one of three people killed in a high-speed chase that ended in a crash at Airport Way and Hazleton Avenue in Stockton early Sunday, according to authorities.
The medical examiner's office identified one of the victims in the car that the suspect hit as Darren Hickerson.
Based on preliminary reports by the Sheriff's Office, the chase began around 1:40 a.m. after officers attempted to stop a stolen car near Wilson Way and Harding Way. That driver, however, fled the scene and later struck another vehicle at Airport Way and Hazleton Avenue. Hickerson, 61, of Stockton, and another person, whose name was not revealed, were in the second car and died from injuries.
No further information about the tragic incident was immediately available.
The investigation remains underway.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
The NHTSA reports that in 2019, 9,478 people were killed in crashes involving speeding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was the primary cause of fatal crashes in 2018, followed by the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication; failure to stay in the proper lane; failure to yield the right of way; and distracted driving.
While the cause and liability of the crash are being investigated, Candice Bond, an experienced accident attorney and Managing Partner of Bond Legal, said that it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of Darren Hickerson may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Bond, a national analyst for Newsline.
“If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed to obtain the justice you deserve.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).