A 59-year-old man from New Castle, Sydney Regan Bibby, is facing serious felony charges after his vehicle struck and injured several spectators, including children, at a mud bog exhibition last month. The incident occurred during the Rifle Rendezvous, a three-day festival held at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle, Colorado, on May 17.
The Incident Details
Bibby has been formally charged with vehicular assault, child abuse, careless driving, and driving under the influence (DUI). This criminal case follows multiple past offenses related to DUI and driving without a license.
According to a press release from the Rifle Police Department, the accident took place during the Mud Bog event, which features vehicles running through a mud strip one at a time. The vehicles in this event range from standard all-terrain vehicles and trucks to highly modified buggies with powerful engines and large tires designed to navigate the thick, muddy pit.
Witnesses and video footage provided to investigators indicate that Bibby’s vehicle—a lifted mud truck—veered sharply to the left at the end of the mud pit. Bibby struck a fence, and before hitting it, he allegedly accelerated the truck instead of braking. After the collision, he reversed the truck, causing further damage.
Impact on Spectators
The crash caused a fence to collapse, sending the vehicle into a group of spectators. Among those injured was an unidentified woman and her two children, who were standing on the other side of the fence. One of the children was seriously injured and flown to Children’s Hospital in Denver for treatment.
As witnesses and first responders attended to the injured, spectators directed officers to Bibby. According to the arrest affidavit, Bibby initially claimed that the truck’s throttle had stuck and the brakes had failed, causing the accident. He also stated that other spectators had assaulted him after the crash.
Bibby’s Condition and Arrest
When the officers approached Bibby, they noted that he was slurring his speech and smelled of alcohol. Bibby refused to perform a sobriety test, and he was subsequently arrested. During the investigation, it was revealed that the father of the two injured children was waiting to drive through the mud bog right after Bibby’s accident. The affidavit also stated that the father had observed Bibby being “extremely belligerent and rude” to other event attendees before the incident occurred.
Legal and Medical Updates
No further updates on the condition of the injured have been provided by authorities, and Bibby was released from jail after posting a $50,000 surety bond. His arraignment is scheduled for July 22.
This incident highlights the dangers of extreme motorsports and the importance of responsible behavior while participating in such events. Bibby’s actions and refusal to cooperate with law enforcement have raised serious concerns, especially considering his prior driving history. The case remains under investigation, and the outcome of Bibby’s arraignment could lead to significant legal consequences.