Semi Driver Staring At Phone Before Fatal Lake Elmo Crash: Cops

LAKE ELMO, MN — The semi driver who rear-ended a Toyota Scion that was stopped at a red light in Lake Elmo Tuesday was staring at his cellphone in the eight seconds before the fatal crash, Washington County authorities say.

Investigators claim the driver – 28-year-old Samuel Hicks of Independence, Wisconsin — made no effort to brake before colliding into the Toyota at 63 mph. The collision occurred on Highway 36 at Lake Elmo Boulevard.

The crash killed Robert Bursik, 54, of Amery, Wisconsin. Hicks has been charged with one count of criminal vehicular homicide.

Authorities cited footage from cameras in the semi’s cab as evidence, KSTP reported.

Hicks admitted to investigators he was texting his girlfriend and had looked up a house on his Zillow app while driving, according to the criminal complaint.

Emergency crews couldn't extract Bursik at the scene. He was extracted at the Lake Elmo Fire Department after the car was towed there.

Image via Minnesota Department of Transportation