DA: Pottstown teen was texting, struck and killed jogger

A Pottstown teen was arrested on Thursday for allegedly killing a a jogger earlier this month after running her over with his car.

Justin Matthew Jackson, 18, was charged with homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges, according to a press release from Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman.

The charges stem from an incident on March 4, when Jackson was allegedly driving while texting and drove his car into the opposite lane, the press release says. His car struck Merinda Thompson, 40, of Royersford, who was jogging, the press release says, and her body was "catapulted" into a nearby parking lot. Jackson continued driving in the wrong lane until striking a utility pole. He was taken to Paoli Hospital and treated for minor injuries; Thompson was killed.

Police found marijuana and a marijuana pipe in Jackson's car, according to the press release, and analysis of a blood sample obtained from Jackson while he was at the hospital showed marijuana in his system. Analysis of his cell phone also revealed he was texting while driving, the press release says.

Jackson was being held on $100,000 bail.