Lemaster Faces 12 Years in Parade Case

Van Edward Lemaster returned to court on Thursday, nearly two months after his truck struck pedestrians during a Fort Collins parade. The 88-year-old man faces seven charges stemming from the August 29 incident that killed Joshua Douglass and injured several others.

Judge Daniel McDonald read the charges aloud during the brief hearing. The list includes one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. Lemaster sat beside his attorney, using a headset to follow the proceedings. He told the court he understood the potential penalties.

The vehicular homicide charge carries a sentence of two to six years in prison. However, the judge noted that the term could rise to 12 years if aggravating circumstances are found. The other counts carry their own distinct prison ranges.

The crash happened on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins. Investigators say the Tour de Fat bicycle parade was ending when Lemaster attempted to back his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking space. The affidavit states he hit another vehicle while reversing. He then accelerated onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio where people were gathered.

Lemaster told a hospital officer that he tried to back out several times before he "just gunned it" to leave the space. Vehicle data showed the accelerator was fully depressed as the truck moved forward. Douglass later died from his injuries.

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