Truck Driver Pleads In Fatal Fargo Crash

A Minnesota truck driver has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in a crash in Fargo that killed a motorcyclist.

 

 

 

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - A Minnesota truck driver has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in a crash in Fargo that killed a motorcyclist.

Authorities say 56-year-old James Toner, of Long Prairie, Minn., drifted wide to the left with his rig so he could make a right-hand turn at an intersection last June. Twenty-nine-year-old motorcyclist Jason Viestenz, of Fargo, was trailing and collided with the rig. He died and his 10-year-old son was injured. 

Toner's attorney argued the incident was "a terrible accident" but not a criminal act, and that the manslaughter charge was too harsh. Judge Frank Racek ruled there was probable cause to support the charge, after a commercial driving instructor testified that "jug handle" turns are unsafe.

 

AP

   

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