Eighty-Eight Year Old Faces Homicide Charges
A man appears in court nearly two months after a truck struck a crowd during a local bicycle parade, resulting in one death.
By Juan Gonzalez ·
An 88 year old man stood before a judge for the first time this week to answer for his role in a deadly crash that shook Fort Collins. The incident occurred nearly two months ago and left one cyclist dead and several others injured.
Van Edward Lemaster faced seven counts connected to the event. He sat beside his attorney in the courtroom and used a headset to hear the proceedings clearly. The hearing was brief but covered the serious allegations against him.
Judge Daniel McDonald read the specific charges to Lemaster. These include one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. The judge also explained the potential consequences of a guilty verdict.
The vehicular homicide charge carries a prison sentence ranging from two to six years. If the court finds aggravating circumstances, the sentence could extend to 12 years. Lemaster told the court that he understood these possible penalties.
The crash happened on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins. This location is well known for its lively atmosphere. At the time, the community was winding down the Tour de Fat, a popular bicycle parade that draws many residents and visitors.
Police reports indicate that Lemaster was trying to back his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking space. He struck another vehicle during this maneuver. Investigators say he then accelerated forward onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio where people were gathered. The truck hit several pedestrians in the group.
Joshua Douglass was among those struck. He later died from his injuries. The other individuals hurt in the collision are part of the vehicular assault counts. The accident disrupted the festive end of the parade and led to a thorough investigation.
The arrest affidavit provides details on Lemaster's statements to officers. At the hospital, he told a police officer that he had tried to reverse out of the space multiple times. He said he finally just gunned it to get the vehicle moving. This account aligns with data from the truck.
Vehicle data cited by investigators shows the accelerator was fully depressed as the truck moved forward. This technical detail supports the narrative that the driver was actively pressing the gas pedal during the final movement. Lemaster is scheduled to return to court at 10 a.m. on Dec. 8.
Source: Denver7 (KMGH)
