88-year-old driver faces seven charges in Fort Collins parade crash

Van Edward Lemaster sat in the Fort Collins courtroom on Thursday for his first official appearance since the August incident that shocked the community. The 88-year-old man, who has been accused of driving his pickup truck into a crowd during a popular local event, faced seven specific criminal charges. The hearing took place nearly two months after the crash, which resulted in one fatality and left several others injured.

The legal proceedings were brief but detailed. Judge Daniel McDonald reviewed each count with Lemaster, who sat beside his attorney and used a headset to listen to the proceedings. The charges include one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. The judge explained the potential sentences for each offense. Vehicular homicide carries a prison term of two to six years, but the penalty can rise to as much as 12 years if aggravating circumstances are found. Lemaster indicated to the court that he understood these potential consequences.

The incident occurred on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins on August 29. The location was busy as the Tour de Fat bicycle parade was nearing its end. According to the arrest affidavit, Lemaster was trying to reverse his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking spot when he collided with another vehicle. Investigators report that after the initial impact, the truck accelerated onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio where pedestrians were gathered. Several people were struck by the vehicle during this sequence of events.

Joshua Douglass was among those hit by the truck. He later died from the injuries sustained in the crash. The affidavit provides insight into Lemaster’s actions in the moments following the collision. At the hospital, he told an officer that he had attempted to back out several times before deciding to accelerate quickly to leave the space. He described this action as having simply gunned it. Investigators also cited data from the vehicle’s systems, which indicated that the accelerator pedal was fully depressed as the truck moved forward into the crowd.

Lemaster is scheduled to return to the courtroom on December 8 at 10 a.m. for his next hearing. The case has drawn significant attention from residents and families affected by the tragedy. The court will continue to move forward with the legal process as evidence is reviewed and preparations for trial are made.

The crash has raised questions about safety protocols during large public events in Fort Collins. Local officials and community members have been closely following the progress of the case. The next court date will provide further updates on the legal proceedings and the status of the charges against Lemaster.