Suspect in fatal crash on I-64 on Gene Snyder must post $500,000 bail

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – The man police believe is responsible for a fatal crash on I-64 made his first court appearance Monday, Sept. 23.

WAVE News was able to confirm that Richard Piper is the suspect involved in the fatal accident on August 12 on I-64 West near Gene Snyder. Police said traffic was slowed for construction when a tractor-trailer driven by Piper collided with a pickup truck, setting off a chain reaction.

The driver of the pickup was identified as 25-year-old Colton Tanner. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident.

Piper was subsequently charged with several crimes, including murder and four counts of reckless endangerment. He appeared in court for arraignment on Monday and pleaded not guilty to all charges. A bail hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25.

Tanner's family was in the courtroom at Piper's arraignment.

This was a direct grand jury indictment, meaning Piper was not in custody before Monday. The hearing ended with the bailiff handcuffing Piper and arresting him.

Piper's bail was set at $500,000 by the grand jury. He and his attorney will have an opportunity to negotiate that amount down at their next hearing on Wednesday.

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