Vigil for Escalon man shot by CHP

Family and friends have scheduled a candlelight vigil tonight in Escalon for 21-year-old Joseph Anthony Pinasco, who authorities say was shot and killed by two California Highway Patrol officers when he accelerated toward the officers after they tried to stop him near Farmington in August.

The vigil is at 8 p.m. at Escalon Community Park, according to Pinasco's family. He graduated from Escalon High School in 2005, attended Modesto Junior College and was working for his father at the family business, Pinasco Plumbing, at the time of his death, according to his family.

About 1:15 a.m. Aug. 24, CHP officers responded to a call about people racing when they came across Pinasco in a 2006 white Chevrolet pickup. According to the CHP, Pinasco did not appear to be involved with the racing, but he was driving erratically and sped away when officers tried to pull him over.

Officers followed Pinasco until he lost control of the truck and it went down an embankment. His truck landed facing the officers. With their guns drawn, the officers ordered Pinasco to come out with his hands up. Instead, Pinasco accelerated toward the officers, who shot at the truck, according to the CHP. Pinasco was pronounced dead from the gunshots at the scene.