Judge finds probable cause in Dow Rippy case

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. A 9th Judicial District Judge found probable cause that Harley “Dow” Rippy may have committed vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol, according to the Garfield County Combined Courts office.Rippy appeared for a preliminary hearing Thursday morning. His next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. He has retained Denver-based attorney Daniel Recht.Recht and Deputy District Attorney Amy Fitch couldn’t be reached for comment.Authorities said Rippy drove his 2006 Jeep Wrangler off County Road 344 about 14 miles south of Silt around 1 a.m. on Aug. 20, 2006. The Jeep went off the left side of the road, continued down an embankment and rolled onto its side. Timothy Curtiss, 41, was partially ejected from the back seat as the Jeep rolled. He was pinned beneath it and pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.Rippy, 50 at the time, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol. He posted bond for $11,750.Contact Pete Fowler: 945-8515, ext. 16611 pfowler@postindependent.comPost Independent, Glenwood Springs Colorado CO