Police probe role of texting in Midvale auto-ped that hurt 3 girls

It will likely be several weeks before investigators looking into an alleged texting driver's hitting of three girls in a Midvale crosswalk know what specific charges they will ask the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office to consider.

Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal said Wednesday that the 28-year-old driver likely would not be arrested or booked until investigators complete interviewing witnesses, gathering physical evidence and completing their reconstruction of the Monday night crash that sent the girls, ages 14, 10 and 9, to the hospital.

The accident occurred about 3:40 p.m. Monday as the girls, on their way home from school, were in the crosswalk at 700 W. Wasatch Street (8000 South).

The crosswalk was clearly marked, Hoyal said, adding that there were indications the man was texting behind the wheel of his southbound Mazda Protege when it plowed into the girls.

The 9-year-old girl was in fair condition Wednesday at Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City. The other two girls were treated for minor injuries at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray and released.

The driver was unhurt, but reportedly distraught as police questioned him.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims