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SOUTH OGDEN — A Layton man charged with hitting and killing an toddler had traces of marijuana in his system and was unfit to drive because of health problems, a police affidavit states.
Aaron Joe Burlison, 25, was driving when he struck and killed 18-month-old Lexie Smith in a South Ogden apartment complex parking lot on July 27, charging documents state.
Burlison was charged last week with manslaughter, a second-degree felony, and was arrested on that and other charges early Tuesday. Jail records indicate he was released on bail later in the day.
An affidavit filed along with his arrest warrant states he "has a number of medical conditions that make it unsafe for him to operate a motor vehicle," including a left eye that is closed due to an unsuccessful cornea transplant.
Burlison also has glaucoma in both eyes, harming his vision, and neuropathy causing weakness in his legs and feet, the affidavit states.
A blood draw found Burlison had one nanogram of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, most commonly known as marijuana's active ingredient, per millimeter of blood in his system, court documents state. Eight nanograms per milliliter of THC metabolite were also allegedly detected.
After the deadly crash, "Burlison told (a) South Ogden police officer several times about how he wasn't supposed to be driving because his driver's license was invalid due to the medical reasons," charging documents say.
Burlison was driving his truck in the parking lot of the Falls at Canyon Rim and pulling into a handicap parking stall when he hit Lexie with his bumper, then "continued to drive and ran over" her, according to the charges.
Lexie later died at Ogden Regional Medical Center.
South Ogden police reviewed video surveillance of the incident and said it conflicted with Burlison's version of events.
"The video shows the child illuminated by Burlison's headlights in the middle of the parking lot; whereas, Burlison stated to the officer that he observed the child to his left about 15 feet away," charges say.
In addition to manslaughter, Burlison is also charged with possession or use of a controlled substance, a class B misdemeanor, for alleged marijuana possession. He is scheduled to appear in court to face the charges on Thursday.
Contributing: Mike Anderson
