Here’s the type of rumblings we hate to hear. Former Cyclocross Worlds silver medalist and United Healthcare Pro Cycling Team member Danny Summerhill was arraigned on Tuesday in Jefferson County Court after firing at least three rounds while riding his bike on a training ride in Deer Creek Canyon, according to The Denver Post.
Summerhill’s racing career is in limbo after resigning from United Healthcare after charges of reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct. photo: Summerhill surveying the damage of Meisen’s fast first few laps. 2016 Jingle Cross Day 1, Elite Men. © Cyclocross Magazine
Summerhill pleaded not guilty to reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct, according to the District Attorney spokeswoman, for the incident that occurred on February 21, 2017.
Summerhill reportedly told authorities that he had “no idea that the area was residential and that it was illegal to shoot at the hillside.”
According to the sheriff’s report, Joe Porter, a resident of the area, followed Summerhill after the shots and confronted him. Although Summerhill initially denied the shooting, his handgun was visible in his jersey pocket, and then admitted to Porter “that he had a bad day and need[ed] to vent.”
Will Shanley, a spokesman for United Healthcare, his road team’s title sponsor, said the team’s management accepted Summerhill’s resignation, effective immediately.
Summerhill raced cyclocross for the last two seasons for Maxxis-Shimano. It remains unclear as to his cyclocross team situation this fall.
Summerhill is just one of three U.S. cyclists to medal as a junior at the UCI Cyclocross World Championships, winning a silver medal in 2007.
Cyclocross Magazine has reached out to Summerhill for comment. Stay tuned on this breaking story.
