Man in cyclists' incident pleaded guilty earlier

By Emily Ford

eford@salisburypost.com

CONCORD — The Rockwell man charged with hitting six cyclists near Gold Hill last month and then fleeing the scene has a record of alcohol- and driving-related charges.

Daniel Burton Wilson II, now 21, was charged two years ago with driving while intoxicated in Gaston County. His blood alcohol content was .04.

The Gaston County District Attorney's Office allowed Wilson to plead guilty to a lesser charge, driving after consuming an alcoholic beverage under age 21.

The judge gave Wilson a prayer for judgment continued.

In January 2008 in Jackson County, Wilson was charged with possessing a malt beverage/unfortified wine by someone who is 19 or 20.

Wilson paid a fine at the clerk of court's office without appearing in court.

Wilson twice has been charged with driving with no operator's license.

He was charged in September 2009 in Jackson County and then failed to appear in court this February. An order for his arrest is outstanding.

He was charged again in Jackson County with no operator's license in November 2009. He waived the charge in January, admitting guilt and paying a fine without appearing in court.

Wilson, of 325 Sand Road in Rockwell, is charged with six felony counts of hit and run after allegedly driving his Nissan Pathfinder into a group of cyclists May 19 on St. Stephen's Church Road.

Eighteen cyclists were riding in two groups, and Wilson allegedly crossed the center line and swerved into the first group, sending four cyclists to the hospital. Two were treated at the scene.

Wilson fled the scene and turned himself in about four hours later at the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office, according to the N.C. Highway Patrol.

Cabarrus County Magistrate Steve Redmond released Wilson into the custody of his mother, Kathleen Sienerth of Concord. Wilson signed a written promise to appear in court. Sienerth also signed an agreement. But a Cabarrus County District Court judge on Wednesday reviewed the terms of Wilson's release and set a secured bond.

After listing the defendant's criminal record, Assistant District Attorney Tom Barcellona asked Judge Donna Johnson for a $100,000 secured bond.

Johnson set a secured bond of $6,000.

Wilson was taken into custody, posted bond and was released. Because he was never jailed, the Cabarrus County Detention Center does not have his photograph, authorities said.

Wilson's attorney, George Wiseman of Concord, told the court that Wilson was attending Western Carolina University when he was charged with the offenses in Jackson County, Barcellona said.

Wilson's attorney did not return phone calls from the Post.

Wilson has not been arraigned, so he has not entered a plea.

He is scheduled for a probable cause hearing June 15.

Cyclist Tim Sigmon of Concord was hospitalized for several days and underwent three surgeries on his leg. Jack King of Mt. Pleasant will require surgery on his collarbone.

The cyclists were riding in a single-file line going about 30 mph when they were hit, said Chris Harkey, a professional cyclist who was riding behind them in the second group and watched the SUV strike his wife.

The cyclists have done the weekly training ride for 15 years, Harkey said.

Several cyclists are members of the Subaru-Gary Fisher Cycling Team, which lost member Adam Little when he was struck and killed on St. Patrick's Day in Concord while riding his bike to work.