Driver Charged With Causing Accident That Killed CSPD Officer
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Updated: 7:28 PM Jul 30, 2009
Driver Charged With Causing Accident That Killed CSPD Officer
11 News has learned the driver of the mini-van involved in the motorcycle accident that killed an off-duty police officer will be charged.
Posted: 10:56 AM Jul 30, 2009
Reporter: KKTV
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Officer Michael Builta
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11 News has learned the driver of the mini-van involved in the motorcycle accident that killed an off-duty police officer will be charged.

The Colorado Springs Police Department says on July 13, a mini-van was traveling east on Barnes Road when it attempted to turn left or north onto Tutt Blvd. The motorcycle, driven by 34-year-old Michael Builta, was traveling west on Barnes Road, and struck the van.

Builta was not wearing a helmet and suffered fatal head injuries in the crash.

The driver of the mini-van was 36-year-old Pei (Laura) Chee Lo. She was uninjured in the crash. The passenger in the van is Ms. Lo’s 11-year-old daughter, who has recovered from a head injury she received in the crash. They were both wearing seat belts.

Lo has been charged with Making An Improper Left Turn and Careless Driving Resulting in Death.

CSPD says there is no evidence that alcohol, drugs, speed, weather or roadway conditions were factors in the crash.

Lo is scheduled to appear in El Paso County Court on September 9.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Laura Location: Colorado Springs on Sep 10, 2009 at 02:05 PM

People amaze me. All these comments blaming the officer for not wearing a helmet and the poor soccer mom. I agree with the sane people commenting, if you drive recklessly or carelessly, you should be charged accordingly. I hope none of Michael Builta's family members are reading this outrageous rubbish blaming him for his own death. My thoughts are with his family and Ms. Lo's family as well. I would never want any of my family members or friends to have to endure either side of this tragedy.
Posted by: velvette Location: nj on Aug 18, 2009 at 08:02 AM

I believe because of his title ( officer) is why this lady is facing criminal charges. What i find to be strange,is that i was just involve in an automobile accident just like this less then a month ago. I was traveling 40mph in a 50mph. during a Friday evening about 5pm. a car made a left turn in front of me. I have two fracture legs and a pelvis. from this accident.the funny thing is the officer implied to me , and stated on the police report that in his opinion the vehicle that was going straight is the party that cause the accident. WHY IS IT that if one of there own become injured do to someone making a left turn , that cause the accident, the left turning person can be charge with a crime. now when its someone like me, who was injured from a left turn accident , is stated that I'am at fault. the left turn driver doesn't get any ticket or any violation. I know the truth why he accused me at being at fault, is because of R card. its a subliminal msg.
Posted by: yvette Location: NJ on Aug 17, 2009 at 08:21 PM

I believe because of his title ( officer) is why this lady is facing criminal charges. What i find to be strange,is that i was just involve in an automobile accident just like this less then a month ago. I was traveling 40mph in a 50mph. during a Friday evening about 5pm. a car made a left turn in front of me. I have two fracture legs and a pelvis. from this accident.the funny thing is the officer implied to me , and stated on the police report that in his opinion the vehicle that was going straight is the party that cause the accident. WHY IS IT that if one of there own become injured do to someone making a left turn , that cause the accident, the left turning person can be charge with a crime. now when its someone like me, who was injured from a left turn accident , is stated that I'am at fault. the left turn driver doesn't get any ticket or any violation. I know the truth why he accused me at being at fault, is because of R card. its a subliminal msg
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