Highlands Ranch – A text- messaging teenager behind the wheel of a Chevrolet truck ran over a 63-year-old bicyclist in Highlands Ranch at about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday.
The victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, said Lt. Alan Stanton of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
The newer-model truck was eastbound on Wildcat Reserve Parkway just west of Summit View Road when it crossed into the eastbound lane and collided with the bicycle, Stanton said.
The victim, whose name wasn’t immediately released, was airlifted by helicopter to a local hospital.
Stanton said the initial investigation revealed the young driver was text-messaging on his cellphone when the accident occurred.
It isn’t believed that alcohol, drugs or excessive speed were a factor in the accident.
The youth was released to his parents at the scene.
Both the truck driver and the bicyclist are residents of Highlands Ranch, Stanton said.
