Fort Collins Crash: 88-Year-Old Driver Faces Homicide Charges in Court
A man accused of driving his truck into a crowd during a popular local parade appeared in court to answer seven serious charges.
By William Parker ·
An 88-year-old man stood before a judge for the first time this week regarding a tragic collision in Fort Collins. The incident has drawn significant attention as it involves a beloved community event.
Van Edward Lemaster faced seven distinct charges related to the crash that occurred on Aug. 29. The charges include one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. These legal counts reflect the severity of the injuries sustained by the victims.
The crash took place on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins. It happened as the Tour de Fat bicycle parade was wrapping up. The event typically draws large crowds of cyclists and spectators to the streets.
According to the arrest affidavit, Lemaster was trying to back his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking space. He initially struck another vehicle during this maneuver. Investigators report that he then accelerated onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio where pedestrians were standing. He struck several people in the process.
Joshua Douglass was among those hit and later died from his injuries. Several other individuals were also injured in the collision. The event has left the community processing the loss and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
During the hearing on Thursday, Lemaster sat beside his attorney. He used a headset to hear the proceedings clearly. Judge Daniel McDonald read the charges to him and explained the potential sentences. Vehicular homicide carries a prison term of two to six years. If aggravating circumstances are found, the sentence can increase to 12 years.
Lemaster told the court he understood these potential penalties. He also provided a statement to an officer at the hospital about the event. He said he had tried to back out several times before he decided to accelerate quickly to leave the space. The affidavit notes that vehicle data showed the accelerator was fully depressed as the truck moved forward.
The next court date is set for Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. This will be the next step in the legal process for the case.
Source: Denver7 (KMGH)
