GREELEY, Colo. — The driver accused of crashing into and killing a Colorado State Patrol trooper during a March blizzard has been formally charged.
John Carpenter, 58, of Centennial, was charged with failure to exercise due care when approaching a stationary vehicle resulting in death and careless driving causing death, according to the 19th District Attorney's Office.
On March 13, CSP Cpl. Daniel Groves was helping a stranded motorist on Interstate 76, just west of Roggen, during the massive blizzard. The driver of a 2001 Volvo, who was later identified as Carpenter, lost control and struck Groves outside his patrol vehicle. Groves was transported to Platte Valley Medical Center, where he died. Carpenter had moderate injuries from the crash.
Groves was remembered at a memorial service as a fun, music-loving family man and proud member of the CSP. The chief of CSP said he was "one of our very best." He started his career with the CSP in 2007. He is survived by his partner of two years.
Carpenter’s advisement has been set for May 29 at 9 a.m.
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