On Monday night, August 2, a 20-year-old woman was killed in a Colorado car crash that was potentially caused by drunk driving. She never saw it coming, both because no one ever expects to be killed in such a tragedy, but she also could not see the driver.
Henry D. Stoltman, 28, was driving that night in a dark vehicle without its headlights turned on. According to the report, police believe that the victim was hit when she continued through an intersection due to not being able to see Stoltman’s oncoming vehicle in the dark.
Stoltman crashed into her vehicle, and despite the fact that the victim was wearing a seatbelt, she still died at the Colorado scene.
What makes this case increasingly upsetting to many is that Stoltman was evading police at the time of the crash. A Colorado officer was attempting to pull him over for failing to use his headlights that night. According to sources, the officer was a mere 300 feet behind Stoltman when he crashed into and killed the victim.
Adding to the shock of the incident is that while the victim who died at the scene was wearing a seatbelt, Stoltman was not, and he survived the crash with serious injuries.
He is, however, facing serious criminal charges, including vehicular homicide, careless driving, failing to have proof of insurance, headlamp violation, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and not wearing a seatbelt.
When police apprehended Stoltman after the car accident, they found a bottle of liquor in his truck, plus he admitted to drinking prior to getting into his car and driving that night. His bond has been set at $20,000.
Stoltman’s first court appearance was last Tuesday. We will update you as this case moves forward.
Resource
GJSentinel.com: CSP: Fatal crash occurred as police tried to stop driver (8/3/2010)
NBC11News.com: Updated: Victim in fatal accident identified, suspect makes first court appearance (8/3/2010)