One February 5, 203 the Colorado Springs Police Department investigated a traffic crash around Academy Boulevard and Palmer Park Boulevard. On February 6, 2023, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy of the person who was deceased from the crash. The deceased person has been identified as 18-year-old Gary Verdine Latrell Velasquez-Toby a resident of Colorado Springs. At the time of the crash, Mr. Toby was ejected from the vehicle. This is the second traffic fatality of 2023. At this same time last year, there were two traffic fatalities. In the last 365 days, there have been 55 traffic deaths in Colorado Springs. At this point in the investigation speed and alcohol do appear to be factors in this crash. Presently, no arrests have been made, but the investigation is ongoing.
Previous Blotter Entry
On February 5, 2023, at 1:27 a.m., members of the Colorado Springs Police Department, Stetson Hills Division, were dispatched to the intersection of Academy Blvd and Palmer Park Blvd regarding a two-vehicle traffic crash. Initial investigation revealed that a vehicle was traveling north on Academy at Palmer Park when it was struck by a vehicle eastbound on Palmer Park. Multiple people involved in the crash were transported to local hospitals some with serious bodily injury. One of those transported later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Due to the nature of the crash the Major Crash Team was contacted and responded to assume the investigation. Alcohol and speed are being investigated as possible factors in this crash.