An Arapahoe man has been charged in connection to a fatal crash last summer.
John T. Anderson V, 31, is charged in Custer County Court with motor vehicle homicide and willful reckless driving.
According to an arrest affidavit, just before 8:30 a.m. Aug. 18, 2023, Custer County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 2 near Road 812, southeast of Anselmo.
A deputy said an investigation determined Anderson V was driving a semi eastbound when he crossed the white line onto the shoulder of the road. The affidavit says a tractor was in front of the semi on the eastbound shoulder.
The deputy said Anderson V attempted to swerve to avoid a collision, but struck it. The affidavit says the semi and attached trailer then tipped onto its passenger side and slid into the westbound lane.
As the semi and attached trailer slid into the westbound lane, the affidavit says a black Ford pickup, driven by Patrick Stauffer, was merging into the westbound lane after passing other westbound traffic when it swerved to avoid colliding with the semi and attached trailer.
The affidavit says Stauffer later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
The deputy says he believed Anderson V “was operating a motor vehicle in such a manner as to indicate a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
Court records do not indicate a warrant being issued for Anderson V’s arrest. They also do not list his next court date.
