A Burlington man pleaded not guilty Thursday to a charge of negligent operation resulting in death in connection with a July collision that killed a 16-year-old cyclist in downtown Burlington.
According to court documents and the police investigation, Douglas Knapp, 79, was driving south on Pine Street on July 16 when his vehicle struck Shiloh Skalka, 16, who was crossing in a marked crosswalk at Locust Street while riding an e‑bike. Investigators said the crosswalk’s flashing warning lights were activated when Skalka entered the roadway.
Prosecutors say driver was traveling slightly above the speed limit
Investigators estimated that Knapp was traveling about 28 mph in a 25 mph zone at the time of the collision. The affidavit filed with the court states that Skalka paused at the crosswalk, activated the flashing lights, waited approximately three seconds and then proceeded into the crossing when the crash occurred.
"I did not remember seeing the flashing warning lights,"
That is the statement the affidavit attributes to Knapp when he spoke to police. He also told investigators he could not recall whether he applied the brakes and said he did not believe anything was blocking his view. Police reviewed video from the area and concluded there were no obstructions between Knapp and the intersection at the time of the crash. Investigators wrote that an attentive driver would have had sufficient time to see a person in the crosswalk and stop before impact.
Court conditions and case schedule
At Thursday’s arraignment, the court imposed conditions requested by the state, including a prohibition on Knapp operating any motor vehicle on a public highway while the criminal case is pending. Knapp pleaded not guilty to negligent operation with death resulting and is due back in court on Oct. 27.
- Defendant: Douglas Knapp, 79
- Victim: Shiloh Skalka, 16
- Charge: Negligent operation with death resulting
- Next court date: Oct. 27
| Date | Detail |
|---|---|
| July 16 | Collision on Pine Street at Locust Street involving e‑bike rider in marked crosswalk |
| Aug. (arraignment) | Defendant pleads not guilty; driving ban ordered while case pending |
| Oct. 27 | Next scheduled court appearance |
The crash and the subsequent criminal charge have intensified conversations in Burlington about cyclist safety, crosswalk design and driver awareness in downtown neighborhoods where pedestrians and micro‑mobility devices increasingly share the road. Earlier this month, the local advocacy group Local Motion organized a mass bike ride to honor the teen and to press for stronger bike safety measures. Hundreds participated in that demonstration, which called attention to infrastructure and enforcement questions that residents and city officials continue to debate.
Knapp, who is known locally as a folk artist and sells work under the name "Dug Nap," faces both the criminal proceedings and the court-ordered restrictions while the case moves forward. The affidavit and police review of video evidence will figure prominently in the prosecution’s presentation. Defense counsel has not publicly detailed a strategy, and the judge has scheduled the Oct. 27 date to allow further pretrial motions and discovery.
For Burlington residents, the case underscores the risks at busy downtown crossings and the consequences when a collision results in a fatality. The investigation’s findings — including the activated warning lights, the estimated speed and the absence of visible obstructions — are likely to shape community discussions about possible engineering, education and enforcement responses aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
The criminal charge of negligent operation with death resulting is a serious allegation. If the prosecution can show that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care and that this negligence caused the death, the charge may lead to substantial legal consequences. The city and advocacy groups will be watching the case closely for indications of whether it prompts changes to traffic safety policy or renewed calls for infrastructure improvements at downtown crossings.
