Fort Collins driver faces 12 years over fatal parade crash

Fort Collins authorities are seeking a maximum sentence of 12 years for the driver who killed a cyclist during a local parade. Van Edward Lemaster, 88, appeared in court on Thursday for the first time since the Aug. 29 incident.

The judge outlined the legal risks for Lemaster. He faces one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. The vehicular homicide charge carries a standard sentence of two to six years. If the court finds aggravating circumstances, the term can extend to 12 years.

Lemaster sat beside his attorney and wore a hearing aid during the proceedings. Judge Daniel McDonald read the charges to him. Lemaster stated he understood the potential penalties. He pleaded not guilty to all seven counts.

The crash happened on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins near the end of the Tour de Fat bicycle event. According to the arrest affidavit, Lemaster tried to back his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking spot. He struck another vehicle, then accelerated onto a sidewalk and outdoor patio where people were standing.

Joshua Douglass died from injuries sustained in the crash. Several other pedestrians were hurt. Investigators noted that vehicle data showed the accelerator was fully pressed while the truck moved forward. Lemaster told a hospital officer that he tried to reverse several times before he 'just gunned it' to leave the space.

The case is scheduled for a hearing at 10 a.m. on Dec. 8.