Kyle Anderson was allegedly driving the vehicle that was involved in a rollover accident on County Road 49 on May 24 that took the life of 22-year-old Joshua Cooley. Cooley, a passenger in the vehicle, passed away in a Denver hospital May 26 as a result of his injuries.
Anderson and another passenger, Craig Hoppes of Kimball, were taken to different medical facilities where both were treated and released.
Testimony from Anderson’s preliminary hearing June 20 brought to the court’s attention that alcohol was involved in the accident. Hoppes testified that Anderson was driving eastbound on U.S. Highway 30, that he passed a Kimball County Sheriff’s Office deputy at a high rate of speed, made a sharp turn on CR 49 and missed an oncoming train that ended the deputy’s pursuit.
Hoppes said Anderson continued to drive until the fatal rollover occurred. Hoppes left the scene to get help from passing motorists on Hwy. 30, he said.
In closing statements at the preliminary hearing, Schaub said the accident scene and events occurring on Hwy. 30 point to reckless driving. He also said the beer bottles found outside the car could have only gotten there by action of Anderson, who was the only one with an opportunity to disperse the bottles. In court documents, it was stated that beer bottles were found from between 32 feet to 166 feet away from the scene on either side of the vehicle.
Anderson’s attorney, Paul Snyder of Scottsbluff, said in closing remarks at the preliminary hearing that the evidence points to speeding, not reckless driving.
Anderson also is scheduled for jury trial in Kimball County District Court for three charges in another case against him. Anderson faces charges of contributing the delinquency of a minor, false reporting and obstructing a peace officers. That trial is scheduled for October 3 at 9 a.m.
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