Text-messaging driver accused of hitting cyclist

Victim died 2 days after accident; 17-year-old charged with misdemeanor

Video: Crime & courts

Lady Liberty replica beheaded, smashed
July 10: Police in New York City are investigating a video posted on YouTube that shows a replica Statue of Liberty being beheaded. Msnbc.com's Dara Brown reports.

Cheerleader stole charity cash, cops say

Police: Plots resold at historic cemetery

Saw in Bible gives inmates freedom

Lake County Juvenile Justice: Aaron, Ayryana, Marie

On the run

15 Most Wanted

The U.S. Marshals want your help finding their "15 Most Wanted" fugitives, a notorious list of suspects fleeing everything from murder and robbery to child sex charges. To date, about 200 of the fugitives profiled on the list have been found. Tips leading to an arrest are rewarded up to $25,000. Click here to see the fugitives.

Breaking news alerts (about 1 per day)
Click here to sign up or text NEWS to MSNBC (67622).

Find more alerts at alerts.msnbc.com

updated 10:27 a.m. ET Dec. 2, 2005

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. - A teenage driver accused of text messaging behind the wheel and hitting a cyclist was charged with a misdemeanor, authorities said.

The 17-year-old was charged with careless driving causing death, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison.

The victim, Jim R. Price, 63, was riding his bicycle Nov. 23 when he was hit by the teen’s car, said Lt. Alan Stanton, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office. Price died two days after the accident.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

The teen has not been identified because he is a minor. Authorities said he lost control of the car because he was sending text messages on a cell phone. He was issued a summons and ordered to appear in court, authorities said.