TOOELE, Utah — Reckless endangerment charges have been recommended against the driver of a semi truck involved in a Tooele crash that injured 11 people before causing a massive fire at a local car dealership.
The fiery crash occurred on Vine Street back on Nov. 3 and was caught on dash cam video from nearby vehicles. The truck can be seen coming down the street at nearly full speed and slamming into other vehicles at near full speed.
Watch full dash cam video of crash below:
“I see a semi coming straight at me, and I was hoping it was going to regain its, whatever, to drive straight, and it didn't, and it hit the car right in front of me, and that's when I just closed my eyes and prayed,” said Tony Garner, who was involved in the accident.
Tooele police said Thursday they have concluded their investigation into the incident and have recommended the charges against the truck driver and other charges against the company that owned the semi.
During their investigation, police interviewed the driver of the semi, 26-year-old Moab Stapley.
Stapley told police as he was approaching the intersection, he hit the brakes, and they didn't feel right. He mentioned trying several tactics, including downshifting and pulling both air buttons on the dashboard.
The truck was destroyed and couldn't be inspected. However, documents released today showed that a majority of the brakes on the two trailers were deemed inoperative or defective.
Brian Nakken, the owner and general manager of the Tooele Motor Company told FOX 13 News on Thursday that 27 of their vehicles were affected by the crash.
"What we went through was, was tragic and, and changed our lives in a lot of ways," said Nakken.
More than two months later, Nakken says they've been going through the restoration process.
"Everything has been kind of down to the bones over there and, you know, our sales and our sales department or our sales operations is all closed over there," said Nakken.
59-year-old Alan Strickland, the stepfather of the driver and owner of the company, CL Ranch Transport, told police he attributed inexperience on Stapley's part in the accident.
Tooele police say the case has been referred to the Tooele City Attorney's Office for the recommended charges.
