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Man Wanted for ‘Buzzing’ Boaters

Fort Collins Reckless Endangerment Defense Attorney
Man Wanted for ‘Buzzing’ Boaters

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A man is wanted for buzzing boaters after it was reported he was flying a private plane very close to boats on the reservoir. Read more here.

In Fort Collins and Larimer County, Reckless Endangerment is charged when a person is accused of acting in a manner that creates a risk of injury to another person. A pilot who crashed his private plane near Horsetooth Reservoir is now wanted for Reckless Endangerment after it was reported he was ‘buzzing’ boaters. According to the report, the pilot was caught on video flying dangerously close to boaters on the reservoir. After the ‘buzzing,’ the plane ended up crashing. The pilot and passenger only sustained minor injuries and claimed there were mechanical issues with the plane. There was no evidence to support those claims, and investigators believe the crash was due to the reckless actions of the pilot. A warrant was issued, but law enforcement was informed the pilot had left the country.

Larimer County Buzzing Reckless Endangerment Lawyer: Definition of Reckless Endangerment in Colorado

The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Reckless Endangerment – C.R.S. 18-3-208 – is:

A person who recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person commits reckless endangerment, which is a class 2 misdemeanor.

Because the pilot was getting so close to the boats while flying, he could have caused major issues. If he had collided with a boat, serious bodily injury would definitely have occurred. It seems that the intention of the buzzing was simply to mess with the boaters, as there was no explainable reason why he would be flying that close to boats on the reservoir. Colorado law defines ‘recklessly’ as:

A person acts “recklessly” when he [she] consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a result will occur or that a circumstance exists.

I don’t think anyone could argue that the pilot’s actions were reckless, especially considering he ended up crashing the plane because of these actions.

Misdemeanor Menacing in Loveland and Estes Park

In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Misdemeanor Menacing – C.R.S. 18-3-206 – is defined as:

A person commits the crime of menacing if, by any threat or physical action, he or she knowingly places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Menacing is a class 1 misdemeanor, but it is a class 5 felony if committed by the use of a firearm, knife, or bludgeon or a simulated firearm, knife, or bludgeon.

Likely, the statements of those on the boats would corroborate the idea that the pilot’s actions (buzzing) created a fear of serious injury.

If you or someone you love has been charged with Reckless Endangerment or Menacing, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free consultation today. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo by Lukas

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