Reckless Endangerment is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person is accused of acting in a way that puts another person at risk for sustaining serious bodily injury. Recently, two Colorado police officers, one from Platteville and one from Fort Lupton, were charged with this crime after they allowed a woman to be hit by a train. Yes, you read that right. According to the report, the officers were responding to a road rage incident and had pulled over the woman accused of waving a gun at another driver. The officers, in all their infinite wisdom, chose to park the patrol car directly on the train tracks. They placed the woman, who was restrained in handcuffs, in the back of the patrol car. Then, as seen through the body cam video, they heard the train whistle blowing and ran away from the parked patrol car, still on the tracks, leaving the woman inside. The patrol car was struck by the train and the woman was seriously injured. One officer was charged with Attempted Manslaughter, Second Degree Assault and Reckless Endangerment, while the other was charged with five counts of Reckless Endangerment, Obstructing a Highway or Passageway and Careless Driving.
Reckless Endangerment Charges in Fort Collins: Definition of Reckless Endangerment in Colorado
The Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Reckless Endangerment – C.R.S. 18-3-208 – is:
It’s likely the officers were charged with this crime for #1 – parking on the train tracks, and #2 putting a detained woman in a car that was parked on the train tracks. Leaving the car on the tracks put not only anyone in the car in danger of injury, but also anyone on the train. We’ve seen this charge for many different types of actions, like:
- Driving with a child in the car and the child is not in a car seat or properly restrained;
- DUI with a child in the car;
- Shooting a gun where others are around (even if no one is hurt);
- Accidentally discharging a firearm inside a home;
- Racing with another car; or
- Running a red light.
The crazy thing about this charge is that it’s charging you with a crime for a potential injury. No one needs to be injured, there must just be a risk of serious bodily injury due to your actions.
Sentence for Parking on Train Tracks Reckless Endangerment in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park, Reckless Endangerment is a class 2 misdemeanor. This level misdemeanor is punishable by up to 120 days in the Larimer County Jail and up to $750 in fines.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Reckless Endangerment, 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 your free initial consultation. We also practice in Greeley – Weld County. CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR GREELEY SITE. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Albin Berlin