DENVER — Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza, the semitruck driver involved in a fatal crash on U.S. 285 near Conifer, has had his charges reduced following a court hearing on Tuesday. Originally facing severe charges including vehicular homicide and assault, Cruz-Mendoza will now be charged with misdemeanors for careless driving resulting in death and injury.

Incident Details and Charges

Colorado State Patrol reported that Cruz-Mendoza was traveling southbound on U.S. 285 during rush hour when the incident occurred. Attempting to pass five vehicles, his semitruck side-swiped them, leading to the vehicle jack-knifing and spilling its cargo of pipe and angle iron across the highway. The accident resulted in the closure of the highway for over 14 hours and tragically claimed one life.

Investigation Findings

Initially arrested on felony charges of vehicular homicide and assault, Cruz-Mendoza claimed his brakes had failed. However, investigations by authorities revealed that the brakes were operational but did not meet minimum safety requirements, as evidenced by skid marks at the scene. Furthermore, it was discovered that the semitruck had not undergone inspection since 2020, raising concerns about maintenance and compliance.

According to Colorado State Patrol, Cruz-Mendoza had a history of traffic violations, including a conviction for speeding and operating without required equipment in 2022. Additionally, records from Immigration and Customs Enforcement indicated that he had been ordered to return to Mexico 16 times since 2002.

Legal Proceedings and Representation

Represented by a public defender, Cruz-Mendoza is scheduled for arraignment on July 31. His defense team has refrained from commenting on the case.

Conclusion

The case of Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza highlights the complex legal and safety issues surrounding commercial vehicle operations on Colorado highways. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, it underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations to prevent tragic accidents like those on U.S. 285 near Conifer.

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