Fort Collins judge outlines 12-year prison range for parade crash driver

Van Edward Lemaster, 88, made his first court appearance on Thursday for the Aug. 29 crash that killed Joshua Douglass. The judge explained that Lemaster faces a maximum sentence of 12 years if aggravating circumstances are found.

During the hearing, Judge Daniel McDonald read seven charges to Lemaster. These include one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. Lemaster sat beside his attorney and used a headset to follow the proceedings. He told the court he understood the potential penalties.

The incident occurred on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins near the end of the Tour de Fat bicycle parade. According to the arrest affidavit, Lemaster attempted to back his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking spot. He struck another vehicle before accelerating onto a sidewalk and outdoor patio where pedestrians were gathered.

Investigators stated that the accelerator was fully depressed as the truck moved forward. Lemaster told a hospital officer that he tried to back out several times before he 'just gunned it' to leave the space. Douglass died from his injuries, while several other people were hurt.

Lemaster is scheduled to return to court at 10 a.m. on Dec. 8.