Teen driver accused of text messaging charged with misdemeanor

[Thom Little]

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (AP) -- A 17-year-old driver accused of hitting a cyclist after allegedly losing control of his vehicle while text messaging on a cellular phone was charged Thursday with careless driving causing death.

The charge is a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year in prison, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

The victim, Jim R. Price, 63, was riding his bicycle in a bicycle path Nov. 23 when he was hit by the teen's car, Douglas County sheriff's Lt. Alan Stanton said.

The teen, who has not been identified, was issued a summons and ordered to appear in court. The court date was not released because the driver is a minor.

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