Man charged with killing teen while texting and driving in Vernal

VERNAL — Criminal charges have been filed against a man who prosecutors say hit and killed a 15-year-old boy while texting and driving.

Jeffery L. Bascom, 28, was charged in Vernal's 8th District Court with automobile homicide involving use of a cellphone while driving, a second-degree felony, and obstruction of justice, a third-degree felony.

On Sept. 2, Tommy Clark was walking with a friend along 500 West near 1200 South in Vernal when he was hit from behind by a pickup truck and later died from his injuries after being flown to Primary Children's Medical Center. The friend was not injured.

Police say Bascom was texting at the time of the accident.

Utah state court records show Bascom has a long history of traffic violations, including a conviction for alcohol-related reckless driving in 2008 and 10 citations for speeding since 2003. In three of those speeding cases, Bascom was driving more than 30 mph above the posted speed limit, court records show.

An initial appearance on his latest charges is scheduled for Nov. 5.

— Pat Reavy

Twitter: DNewsCrimeTeam