Steamboat Pilot & Today

A hot air balloonist spotted an abandoned vehicle in a ditch early Sunday morning.

An investigation revealed that the vehicle belonged to a 23-year-old Steamboat Springs man who had been placed into the detox center the day before and was later arrested for domestic violence.

At about 9:30 a.m., the person in the balloon contacted the Steamboat Springs Police Department about a red pickup in a ditch near the intersection of Mount Werner Circle and Mount Werner Drive. The vehicle was not visible from the road, Police Captain Joel Rae said.

Early Saturday morning, the owner of the vehicle, Phillip C. Robinson, was found lying in the middle of Ski Time Square Drive, Rae said. The police transported Robinson to the detox center at about 4 a.m. Saturday, Rae said.

The police are investigating the accident, which was not reported until the hot air balloonist called police. It is a crime to not report an accident and leave the scene.

No arrests have been made in relation to the accident, but Robinson was arrested on Saturday after a woman alleged Robinson had assaulted her, police said.

At about 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Robinson was released from the detox center and went to the woman's residence on Ski Time Square Drive, Rae said.

The woman told police that Robinson placed his hand over her mouth and pushed her against the wall, hurting her lungs and causing extreme pain, Rae said. He also is alleged to have punched the wall, leaving a small hole, Rae said.

Robinson was charged with third-degree assault, criminal mischief, obstructing phone service and violation of his bail bond condition. Robinson is out on bond after being arrested two weeks ago on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Robinson remains in the Routt County Jail with bail set at $750. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 7.

-- To reach Christine Metz call 871-4229

or e-mail cmetz@steamboatpilot.com