Local
Fort Collins police say toxicology testing is delaying decision on charges in fatal Old Town crash
Joshua Robert Douglas was killed after a pickup truck struck a pedestrian in Old Town Fort Collins on Aug. 29. Police say they have identified the driver but are withholding the name while they complete the investigation and assess whether impairment played a role.
Fort Collins police have identified the driver involved in the fatal Aug. 29 crash that killed Joshua Robert Douglas, but have not publicly named the person or said whether criminal charges will be recommended as the investigation continues.
A pickup truck with Wyoming plates went over a curb in Old Town Fort Collins and struck a pedestrian, according to police. The crash investigation remains active.
Fort Collins Police Officer Brandon Barnes said investigators must establish the circumstances of fatal and serious-injury crashes before making a charging recommendation to the district attorney. Determining whether a driver was impaired can require toxicology testing, which is handled by outside agencies and can take weeks or months, he said.
The results can affect whether a potential offense is treated as a misdemeanor or felony. While alcohol impairment may sometimes be apparent sooner, testing may be needed to determine whether drugs or other substances were involved.
Barnes said investigators have spoken with known witnesses and contacted victims and their families. The department’s Victim Advocate Team is providing support while police finish their work.
Police generally do not publicly identify a person before charges are filed, Barnes said. The department acknowledged community interest in the case and said it will provide more information after the investigation is complete.