Fox 40
January 1, 2015
Stockton Police have located the vehicle that was involved in the hit and run that cost a retired police officer his life.
On Tuesday, 70-year-old Jimmy Pendergrass was on his way to work when he was struck by a van while crossing the intersection of Washington and El Dorado Street.
He later died from his injuries at the hospital.
Pendergrass was a retired Stockton Police officer, and was a part-time investigator.
On Thursday night, the vehicle that matched the description was found on Harrison and Sonora Street by a security guard.
According to Stockton Police, a man was found sleeping inside the van, and was taken in for questioning.
After further investigation and questioning, 57-year-old Sergio Meraz Chavira was arrested.
He is being charged for a felony hit and run.
“Our department can now begin to heal and the Pendergrass family can have some closure knowing that a suspect is in custody and behind bars,” Chief Eric Jones wrote on the department’s Facebook page.