88-year-old driver charged in Fort Collins bike parade crash appears in court

Van Edward Lemaster, 88, appeared in Larimer County District Court on Thursday for the first time since being accused of driving into a crowd during Fort Collins' Tour de Fat. The hearing took place nearly two months after the crash that resulted in one death and multiple injuries. Lemaster sat beside his attorney and wore a headset to hear the proceedings clearly.

Judge Daniel McDonald reviewed the seven charges against Lemaster. The counts include one for vehicular homicide, four for vehicular assault, and two for reckless endangerment. The judge explained the sentencing ranges for each offense. Vehicular homicide carries a prison term of two to six years. If the court finds aggravating circumstances, the maximum sentence rises to 12 years. Lemaster verbally confirmed to the judge that he understood these potential penalties.

The incident occurred on Aug. 29 on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins. The location was near the conclusion of the Tour de Fat bicycle parade. Witnesses and investigators describe a chaotic scene where the truck struck pedestrians on a sidewalk and an outdoor patio.

Joshua Douglass was among those hit by the vehicle. He later died from his injuries. Several other people were injured in the crash. The arrest affidavit details the sequence of events leading up to the collision. It states that Lemaster was trying to back his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking space. He initially struck another vehicle while attempting to reverse.

Following the initial collision, Lemaster allegedly shifted into drive and accelerated. The truck moved forward onto the sidewalk and into the patio area where people were gathered. The affidavit notes that vehicle data showed the accelerator pedal was fully depressed as the truck moved forward. This data supports the claim that Lemaster pressed the gas pedal to the floor.

Lemaster spoke to a police officer at the hospital after the crash. He told the officer that he had tried to back out several times before giving up. Lemaster said he then "just gunned it" to leave the parking space. This statement was included in the arrest affidavit filed by investigators.

The court set Lemaster's next court date for Dec. 8. He is scheduled to appear at 10 a.m. The judge did not release Lemaster on bail or set bail conditions during the brief Thursday hearing. The next appearance will determine the next steps in the case.