Recurring safety failures plague colorado trucking firm after crash
A Littleton gas station became the scene of a chaotic collision last month, and now, a deeper look reveals a disturbing pattern of safety lapses linked to the involved trucking company, CDS Transport. The incident, which left one driver injured and sparked jarring memories for a man paralyzed in a previous truck accident, raises serious questions about oversight and accountability within the industry.
Driver claims brake failure, police disagree
Daniel Torrez, the 33-year-old driver of the semi-truck that crashed into a QuickTrip on West Belleview Avenue, initially told Littleton police that his brakes had failed. However, investigators quickly determined that the truck had no mechanical issues. Compounding the situation, Torrez had been issued a summons just days prior for operating a commercial vehicle with a suspended license – a stark indicator of a troubling safety record.
But the story doesn't end there. Noah Williams, a crash survivor himself, recognized the truck from a devastating incident in January 2017. “Just knew right away,” Williams stated to CBS Colorado. “Just looked at the truck.”
A past tragedy and a familiar pattern
In 2017, Williams’ life was irrevocably altered when a semi-truck owned and operated by American Demolition, also linked to CDS Transport through shared ownership, slammed into the back of his vehicle. The impact propelled his truck forward, crushing the cab and leaving Williams paralyzed. He recalls the chilling moment: “The truck came barreling down on us, pushed the bed of the truck into the cab.” Williams suffered a fractured spine, resulting in six inches of spinal cord damage, and now relies on a wheelchair and service dog, Buddy, for mobility.
Williams subsequently filed a lawsuit against American Demolition, uncovering a history of safety violations. Court documents revealed a staggering 19 notices issued in the years leading up to the crash, most concerning brake problems. A post-crash inspection further confirmed the truck was overloaded and had four defective brakes. Stephen Burg, Williams’ attorney, noted, “When we were digging into this case, we sort of discovered there were numerous companies all with similar ownership.”
Connections and concerns over oversight
The connection between American Demolition and CDS Transport—both run by the same family—is now under intense scrutiny following the gas station crash. The recent incident mirrors the 2017 crash in that the driver also claimed brake failure. A West Metro Fire spokesperson emphasized that the potential for a far worse outcome was narrowly averted.
Federal motor carrier records show CDS Transport’s safety registration hasn't been updated since 2022, and Colorado State Patrol inspection records reveal a litany of violations since 2023, including drivers lacking valid commercial licenses, missing or defective brake warning devices, and damaged brakes. A representative for CDS Transport offered a standard statement: “Safety is a core priority, and the company is committed to maintaining effective safety practices.” Yet, the evidence paints a different picture.
Adding to the concerns, an inspection of an American Demolition truck in December 2025 found it out of service due to a missing breakaway braking system, and the driver lacked a valid commercial license and English proficiency. Williams, having settled his lawsuit with American Demolition, hopes his story will inspire change. “I have always wanted to do what I could to make sure this didn't happen to someone,” he said, his voice tinged with a weary resolve. The recurring pattern of negligence suggests a systemic problem that demands immediate and thoroughinvestigation by regulatory agencies.