<\/p>\n
A 22-year-old Durango woman who is suspected of distracted driving after she struck a bicyclist on north Main Avenue last week has been cited with careless driving causing bodily injury, a class 1 misdemeanor.<\/p>\n
Jessica Durbin also was cited with failure to present evidence of insurance, according to Durango Police Cmdr. Ray Shupe. The charges were filed Friday, Shupe said. A court date has not been set.<\/p>\n
About 5:30 a.m. Aug. 7, Durbin was driving south on Main Avenue in the left lane when she drifted into the right lane and into the bicycle lane, striking a bicyclist in the 3600 block.<\/p>\n
Alcohol and drugs are not suspected in the incident, but investigators believe Durbin was reaching for something on the floor when she crossed two lanes.<\/p>\n
The bicyclist, 63-year-old Christopher Balchunas, of Durango, was airlifted to St. Mary\u2019s Hospital in Grand Junction in critical condition. As of Monday, he was listed in fair condition.<\/p>\n
Marko Ward, a longtime friend, said he visited Balchunas on Tuesday. He said Balchunas did not suffer brain injuries but did suffer a skull fracture.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s going to have a long recovery process,\u201d Ward said.<\/p>\n
Balchunas, known among friends as \u201cBal,\u201d has lived in the Durango area for more than 40 years, working at Purgatory Resort and Hillcrest Golf Course.<\/p>\n
A fund was set up for his medical costs at First National Bank of Durango. Donations to the fund can be made at these bank locations: 259 W. Ninth St., 125 Sawyer Drive in Bodo Industrial Park, in Albertsons grocery store, at Walmart, and in Bayfield at 351 Bayfield Center Drive.<\/p>\n