Home Beyond East County Off-Duty Stockton Police Officer Killed After Being Struck by Vehicle in Escalon

Off-Duty Stockton Police Officer Killed After Being Struck by Vehicle in Escalon

by ECT

The Stockton Police Department announces Sunday they are mourning the loss of Officer Justin Kepler who was killed by a hit-and-run driver while riding his personal motorcycle in Escalon.

Officer Kepler was hired by the Stockton Police Department on April 16, 2012.

According to the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office, Isidro Urista-Meza, 27, was arrested by the California Highway Patrol and is being held on $503,081.00 bail.

Charges include:

PC 192(C) Misdemeanor
MISDEMEANOR MANSLAUGHTER
VC 12500(A) Misdemeanor
UNLAWFUL TO DRIVE UNLESS LICENSED
VC 20001(A) Felony
HIT AND RUN RESULTING IN DEATH OR INJURY

 

Stockton Police issued the following statements on social media:

STATEMENT FROM STOCKTON POLICE CHIEF ERIC JONES (12:21 pm)

Last night, we lost an incredible man and an incredible police officer who faithfully served the community members of Stockton. He placed his life on the line for our protection and was taken from us in a tragic hit and run accident while he was off-duty. My heart goes to his family, his friends, and also our entire department. I want to thank the first responders, the Escalon Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol for locating and arresting the hit and run suspect. Let us all remember Justin as a protector and server of our community.

SPD NEWS: STOCKTON PD MOURNS A TRAGIC LOSS (11:34 am)

It is with a profound sense of sadness that we must report the tragic death of Officer Justin Kepler. Last night, Officer Kepler was struck and killed by a hit and run driver while riding his personal motorcycle in Escalon. The suspect was subsequently arrested. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Kepler’s family and friends. Officer Kepler was hired by the Stockton Police Department on April 16, 2012.

The Escalon Police Department posted the following on social media at 4:08 pm:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the the Kepler family and Stockton Police Department with the loss of Officer Kepler last night as a result of a hit and run collision. The responsible driver is in custody. The CHP are completing their investigation of the collision.

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1 comment

Ahmad Aug 22, 2016 - 8:25 am

Rest in Peace Officer Kepler.

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