On March 25, 2024, Judge Ryan J. Stuart sentenced James Truskolaski, 65, to 12 years in the Department of Corrections for causing a 3-vehicle crash last year.
Just after 11 p.m. on January 9, 2023, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) was dispatched to a crash on I-25 near MM 186. The investigation revealed that Truskolaski was weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed when he rear-ended a Chevrolet Suburban. The Suburban then collided with another car. Truskolaski went off the road and up an embankment before coming back into traffic and eventually stopping.
The driver of the Suburban and Audi both suffered major injuries, but survived. Truskolaski was also taken to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital, a trooper smelled alcohol on his breath and noticed bloodshot and watery eyes. The trooper’s report also notated that the defendant was slurring his words.
A criminal records search of the defendant found 9 prior DUI cases. He was initially booked into jail on Driving Under the Influence with 3+ Priors, a class 4 felony. This charge only carried a maximum penalty of 6 years in the Department of Corrections under Colorado law.
Prosecutors with the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and also charged Truskolaski with Attempted 1st Degree Assault/Extreme Indifference.
Truskolaski pleaded guilty to both offenses. He was sentenced to 12 years in the Department of Corrections.
“This defendant’s actions showed a complete disregard for the safety of others,” Deputy District Attorney Keegan Doheney said. “Fortunately, no one was killed in this preventable crash. I hope this sentence serves as a warning that the 18th Judicial DA’s Office will prosecute DUI cases to the fullest extent.”
Following his release, Truskolaski will serve 3 years of mandatory parole.
According to crime data from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, there were 16,277 DUI-related arrests in 2023.
“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.”
If you spot aggressive or drunk driving on our highways, you can dial *277 to reach a CSP dispatcher.
