Police in the United States have charged an Illinois woman who allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian while livestreaming on the social media platform TikTok.
Local authorities said the suspect, Tynesha McCarty Wroten, known on TikTok as Tea Tyme, was charged by the Zion Police Department with reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death.
According to reports by The New York Times, a video later reshared on TikTok shows the woman speaking into her phone before a loud sound is heard. In the recording, a child off camera asks what happened, to which the woman responds that she had hit someone.
Investigators said surveillance footage showed McCarty Wroten driving into an intersection while the traffic light was still red. Police added that she did not appear to slow down or change direction before hitting the pedestrian, identified as Darren Lucas.
Mr Lucas was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
In response to the charges, McCarty Wroten’s lawyer told The New York Times that the incident was an accident and a negligent act, but not an intentional or reckless action.
The case has renewed public debate over distracted driving and the dangers of using mobile devices while operating a vehicle.