Driver facing vehicular assault charge after hitting cyclist in Boulder

The driver who reportedly crossed the median and struck a cyclist on Foothills Parkway over the weekend is facing vehicular assault charges.

Charles Arthur Augustine, 62, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault – reckless driving, obstructing a peace officer and driving without insurance, according to an arrest affidavit.

According to an arrest affidavit, police were first called to the parking lot of the Boulder Dinner Theater, 5501 Arapahoe Ave., at 10:47 a.m. Saturday when Augustine had parked his car in the lot blocking traffic and was taking it apart and “acting oddly.”

An officer arrived and found Augustine “rambling on about things that did not make sense.” The officer said Augustine also gave away his dog to some strangers near a taco truck in the parking lot before walking around with pliers “for an unknown reason.”

Augustine then got in his car and “aggressively” drove away west on Arapahoe Avenue, leaving behind some of his belongings.

A short time later, witnesses said Augustine got onto southbound Foothills Parkway from Arapahoe Avenue, but then crossed the median and hit a cyclist who was headed northbound on the multi-use path.

The cyclist, identified in the affidavit as Gerald Ellis, suffered a broken leg, vertebrae and ribs and was transported to Boulder Community Health’s Foothills Hospital.

An officer who responded to the crash said Augustine was talking about how he “made a mistake” and “hit him so hard” in reference to the cyclist.

Another cyclist who was just ahead of Ellis said Augustine was going about 45 mph, fast enough for the car to become airborne when it hit the median before it went down the embankment to the multi-use path.

Police do not suspect drugs or alcohol, but the initial officer said Augustine appeared to be having some mental health issues.

The dog was left with a woman who said she would either keep the dog or turn it over to the Humane Society of Boulder Valley.

Court records show Augustine has prior convictions for driving while ability impaired, criminal impersonation and false reporting.

Augustine remains in custody at the Boulder County Jail on $2,500 bond, and is scheduled for a formal filing of charges on Wednesday.