Texting driver crashes in Linn County

Authorities said a Linn County driver lost control of his car because he was composing a text message on his phone.

Jacob L. Blauer, 20, of Cedar Rapids, was southbound on Covington Road just before 7 p.m. Sunday when he crashed near the intersection of Gibney Road, according to the Linn County sheriff's office. Deputies determined he was texting while he was coming out of a curve and lost control.

The car went into the west ditch and came to rest on its top in a bean field.

Blauer was taken by ambulance to St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. His injuries did not appear to be life-threatening, authorities said.

Blauer was charged with failure to maintain control, driving with a suspended license and texting while driving. He also had an active arrest warrant for fifth-degree theft, deputies said.

An investigation was continuing.