BOZEMAN, Mont. — Bozeman police have concluded their investigation into a fatal vehicle-pedestrian crash that occurred on Feb. 26 on West Oak Street, resulting in the death of 17-year-old Leslie Brown.
Investigators confirmed that a passenger vehicle, driven by a juvenile, was traveling west in the outside lane closest to the north curb when the incident occurred. A vehicle in front of the juvenile stopped to allow Brown to cross the road. The juvenile then changed lanes and proceeded through the posted pedestrian crosswalk, striking Brown.
“Excessive speed was not a factor in the collision,” said Bozeman Police Chief Jim Veltkamp. “Inattentive and distracted driving appear to be the primary factors that led to this crash. The driver was likely distracted by activity inside the vehicle and failed to anticipate why the other vehicle had stopped at the crosswalk.”
Due to the driver's status as a juvenile, police will not release their identity. Authorities stated that once the investigation's final steps are completed, the city and county attorneys' offices will be consulted regarding potential charges.