On April 11, 2023 at approximately 3:51 PM, Fort Collins Police were notified of a three vehicle collision near the intersection of South Taft Hill Road and West Drake Road. A Toyota Highlander was travelling northbound on Taft Hill Road when it collided with the rear of Subaru Outback. The collision caused the Subaru to go up over the median and roll. The Highlander then went into the southbound lanes and collided with a Kia Sportage. The Highlander continued to the north before stopping due to disabling damage to the vehicle. Shortly before the crash occurred, the driver of the Highlander was called in as a REDDI (Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately). It was reported that the Highlander was driving recklessly.

The driver of the Highlander, Norma SEPEDA was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. SEPEDA was booked into the Larimer County Jail on charges of Vehicular Assault, Third Degree Assault, and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. All charges are simply an accusation by law enforcement, and all parties must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

The two occupants of the Subaru were transported to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The driver of the Kia was uninjured. Due to the severity of injuries, the Fort Collins Police CRASH (Collision Reconstruction and Scene Handling) Team responded to take over the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident who has not already spoken to police is asked to call Community Service Officer Jacob Haas at (970) 221 6540.

“Unfortunately, someone made the decision to drive impaired today, and it resulted in innocent people being hurt. Impaired driving can have devastating impacts,” said Sergeant Mike Avrech who oversees the Fort Collins Police CRASH Team.

Northbound Taft Hill Road was closed in between Drake Road and Valley Forge Avenue while investigators processed the scene.