Elderly driver faces charges in Fort Collins crash

Family members and residents of Fort Collins received a new update this week as the legal process began for the man accused of killing a pedestrian during a popular local event. Van Edward Lemaster, 88, made his first court appearance on Thursday, marking the formal start of proceedings nearly two months after the incident that shocked the community.

The hearing took place in the office of Judge Daniel McDonald. Lemaster sat beside his attorney and utilized a headset to hear the proceedings clearly. The judge outlined the seven charges filed against him, which include one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. Each charge stems from the actions taken by Lemaster on August 29, which resulted in the death of Joshua Douglass and injuries to several others.

During the session, the judge explained the potential consequences Lemaster faces if convicted. A conviction for vehicular homicide carries a prison sentence ranging from two to six years. However, if the court finds that aggravating circumstances exist, the maximum sentence could extend to 12 years. Lemaster indicated to the court that he understood these potential penalties.

The incident occurred on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins. At the time, the Tour de Fat bicycle parade was nearing its conclusion. According to the arrest affidavit, Lemaster was attempting to reverse his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking spot. He struck another vehicle during this maneuver. Investigators report that he then accelerated forward, moving the truck onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio where a group of pedestrians had gathered. The vehicle struck several individuals, and Douglass later died from his injuries.

Details from the arrest affidavit provide insight into Lemaster's account of the events. He reportedly told a hospital officer that he had attempted to back out of the space multiple times. He stated that he eventually "just gunned it" to escape the parking spot. Supporting this account, investigators cited data from the vehicle which showed that the accelerator pedal was fully depressed as the truck moved forward into the crowd.

The crash has left a significant impact on the community, particularly for those who attend the annual parade. The legal case will continue as the prosecution and defense prepare for upcoming proceedings. No plea has been entered yet, and the focus remains on determining the facts of the case through the court system.

The next scheduled court date for Lemaster is set for December 8. The hearing is expected to begin at 10 a.m. This next step will likely involve further procedural discussions and the continued development of the case file.

For now, the family of the victim and the public await the next developments in this high-profile case. The court has established the timeline and the specific charges, providing a clear framework for what will happen next in the legal process.