Motorist dead, two officers injured in Stockton wreck

STOCKTON — A motorist died and two police officers were injured in a collision early Wednesday at East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South Airport Way.

Hours after the 2 a.m. incident, the two officers were reported to have minor to moderate injuries.

The motorist, identified by the San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office as Titus Vanguardia Tabotabo III, 28, of Stockton, was transported to an area hospital, where he died several hours later, according to police spokesman Officer Joe Silva.

Late Wednesday, police released the names of the officers involved. Officer Nestor Velasquez, with two years on the force, was driving. His partner, Officer John Strawder, with one year on the force, was in the front passenger seat. Both remain hospitalized.

“Per standard policy, both were placed on three-day paid administrative leave,” Silva said.