Jurors recently acquitted a police official of a motor vehicular homicide charge two years after he was involved in Canton wreck that killed a 74-year-old man.

Paul Williams, 50, of Stoughton, on Friday was found not guilty of vehicular homicide by negligent operation. The decision came after a two-day trial in Dedham District Court.

Authorities said Williams, a sergeant with the Stoughton Police Department, was behind the wheel Feb. 10, 2018, when he crashed into Ralph S. Hawkins, of Canton. Investigators determined Williams was driving on High Street when he lost control of his vehicle, crashed into a tree and struck Hawkins.

Hawkins reportedly was dragged 40 feet by Williams’ pickup truck. Williams allegedly told investigators that he was choking on a seed just before the crash.

Williams initially faced a misdemeanor citation, but additional charges eventually were brought. He had also faced a charge of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, but prosecutors asked to dismiss the charge before the trial began.

Stoughton Police Department officials told local media outlets that Williams has been on administrative leave since the crash, but the reinstatement process will begin shortly.

According to Hawkins’ obituary, he was “a proud veteran having served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a lieutenant commander.”

“An astute businessman and entrepreneur who worked in the aviation industry, he was an avid railroad fan and Corvette aficionado, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.”

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