Man with 9 previous DUI offenses sentenced to 12 years in prison after causing three-vehicle crash

A man with nine prior driving under the influence offenses was sentenced on Monday to 12 years in prison after guilty to an additional DUI charge and attempted first degree assault with extreme indifference following a three-vehicle crash last year, according to a news release from the District Attorney’s Office in the 18th Judicial District.

That crash left two other drivers with major injuries, the district attorney said.  

Judge Ryan J. Stuart sentenced James Truskolaski, 65, whose criminal record included nine prior DUI cases, the district attorney said. 

Just past 11 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2023, the Colorado State Patrol received a call regarding an accident on I-25 close to mile-marker 186.

The agency found that Truskolaski had been driving erratically, weaving through traffic at a high speed before rear-ending a Chevrolet Suburban, court documents said.

The collision caused the Suburban to hit another vehicle.

Following the collision, Truskolaski veered off the road, up an embankment, and then back onto the road before finally coming to a stop.

The district attorney said both the driver of the Suburban and the Audi sustained severe injuries but survived the crash.

Truskolaski was also transported to the hospital for medical attention.

While at the hospital, a trooper detected the smell of alcohol on Truskolaski's breath and observed that his eyes were bloodshot and watery. The trooper's report also indicated that Truskolaski was speaking with slurred speech.

“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.”

After a review of Truskolaski’s case, the district attorney’s office also charged him with first degree assault and extreme indifference.

2023 saw a decrease in impaired driving deaths but an increase in pedestrian fatalities, and crime data from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation showed 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 the news release.