Driver in Sandy accident was 15, unlicensed, police say

SANDY — Police say the 15-year-old driver of a vehicle that launched into the air and smashed a traffic light pole Sunday night was unlicensed, took his parents' vehicle without their permission and crashed as a result of distracted driving.

About 8:45 p.m., a sport utility vehicle carrying three teens went off the road for an unknown reason near 9000 South and 150 West, hit a ditch and flew about 6 feet into the air, landing on a circuit box and a light pole.

None of the occupants were wearing seat belts, but there were no serious injuries.

Any driver who is 15 years old needs to have a valid learner's permit and can only drive when a parent or legal guardian is in the vehicle, said Sandy Police Sgt. Troy Arnold. In Sunday's accident, none of those things had happened.

Detectives believe the crash was the result of distracted driving, Arnold said. The driver took his parents' SUV without their permission, he said.

Juvenile court officials will review potential charges against the teen, including auto theft, Arnold said.

— Pat Reavy