DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — A 65-year-old man with nine prior DUI cases was sentenced to 12 years in prison for causing a three-vehicle crash that left two other drivers with "major injuries," according to prosecutors.
James Truskolaski, 65, caused a Jan. 9 crash that happened just after 11 p.m. in Douglas County. Two other drivers were hit by Truskolaski on Interstate 25 and a CSP investigation revealed that he was "weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed" before the crash.
According to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office office, Truskolaski rear-ended a Chevrolet Suburban that then hit another car, an Audi, on the highway. The CSP investigation showed that Truskolaski went off the road and up an embankment before returning to traffic and eventually stopping.
The two drivers involved in the crash were seriously hurt but survived, said the DA's office.
When Truskolaski was taken to the hospital after the crash, a trooper noted on a report that they smelled alcohol on his breath, he was slurring his words and he had bloodshot and watery eyes.
After a criminal records search was done on Truskolaski, a trooper found he had nine prior DUI cases. He was taken to jail and originally charged with driving under the influence with 3+ priors – a class 4 felony. But after the district attorney's office reviewed the case, he was also charged with attempted first-degree assault/extreme indifference.
“A repeat offender who selfishly puts other lives in danger by making the choice to drink and drive does not deserve the privilege of operating a car,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “In addition to the repeat DUI felony charge, I’m proud that my team recognized the severity of this defendant’s actions and pursued assault charges for injuring two innocent drivers that day.”
Truskolaski pled guilty to both offenses.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Investigations & Crime