Judge details prison risks for Lemaster in fatal parade crash

Van Edward Lemaster appeared in court on Thursday to answer seven charges related to the death of Joshua Douglass. The hearing took place nearly two months after the Aug. 29 incident in Fort Collins.

Judge Daniel McDonald read the counts aloud to Lemaster, who sat beside his attorney and listened via a headset. The charges include one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment.

The judge outlined the sentencing guidelines for each offense. Vehicular homicide carries a penalty of two to six years in prison. That term increases to a maximum of 12 years if aggravating circumstances are proven. Lemaster confirmed his understanding of these potential sentences.

The crash happened on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins as the Tour de Fat bicycle parade ended. According to the arrest affidavit, Lemaster attempted to reverse his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking spot. He struck another vehicle before accelerating onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio where pedestrians were standing.

Douglass died from his injuries. The affidavit notes that Lemaster told a hospital officer he had tried to back out multiple times before he 'just gunned it' to exit the space. Investigators cited vehicle data showing the accelerator was fully depressed as the truck moved forward.

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