YOLO COUNTY—A man accused of purposely hitting three bicyclists on Tuesday, June 30, 2015, has pleaded not guilty to his charges.
Alamar Cyril Houston, 38, was arraigned today during a hearing at the Yolo Superior Court in Woodland on two counts of attempted murder, felony driving under the influence of drugs, and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon – a vehicle.
Two of the cyclists hit by Houston on a popular Yolo County levee said he drove off calmly after hitting them with his car.
During his hearing, Houston told Judge Doris L. Shockley and his deputy public defender, Martha Sequeira, that he would represent himself. As Judge Schockley reviewed the charges against him, Houston blurted out, “I need some mental help.” The judge told him that the court needed to appoint him an attorney. Sequeira entered not-guilty pleas on Houston’s behalf.
KCRA News captured Alamar Houston as he was arrested in downtown Sacramento.
According to CHP, Houston allegedly drove a stolen 2015 Hyundai into three bicyclists on South River Road between West Sacramento and Clarksburg before being pursued and arrested in downtown Sacramento. Two of the victims suffered serious injuries, while one had minor injuries. West Sacramento Police, with the help of a Police K9, spotted him and took him into custody after a brief pursuit into downtown Sacramento.
The victims struck on Tuesday evening included Donald Dumaine, 51, and two teenagers. Dumaine suffered minor injuries, while Jonathan Jackson, 17, required surgery on an ankle. He is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon. The third victim was not identified.
Bail was denied at Thursday’s hearing, with Houston remaining at Yolo County Jail in Woodland. His next scheduled court appearance is July 15.
Sacramento Court records indicate Houston has a criminal history over the past 20 years, with charges including petty theft, robbery, burglary and vehicle theft. In Glenn County, his criminal history includes trespassing and burglary. In just the past year and a half, according to arrest records, he was charged with domestic violence (battery on a spouse or co-habitant and abuse), breaking and entering, trespassing, burglary, petty theft, riding a bicycle under the influence, shoplifting, exhibiting a deadly weapon, public intoxication, resisting arrest, and failure to appear as scheduled in court.
Read and view more:
KCRA: Suspect could face attempted murder charges in bicycle crash
Cyclelicious: Yolo County bicycle hit & Run ends with police dog takedown
Davis Enterprise: Driver who hit cyclists denies attempted murder allegations
