LANCASTER TWP — Charges against a Slippery Rock man accused of striking and killing a motorcyclist while distracted by a social media app were held for higher court.

Nicholas Abbott Jr., 24, is charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, using text-based communications, careless driving, following too closely and reckless driving.

The charges stem from an Aug. 23, 2018, accident in which Abbott allegedly struck the motorcyclist on Route 19.

Abbott allegedly told officers that he had tried to pass the motorcyclist on the other side of the yellow line, but the man had swerved into Abbot's path at the last minute. Abbott said he tried to swerve out of the way.

Abbott said he was using his phone only for music and agreed to give it to officers when asked.

In January, officers received the computer forensics of Abbott's phone, which allegedly showed that the phone was in use, with Instagram open and using data from 1:22 to 1:25 p.m., the time of the crash.

A state police reconstruction team also concluded neither Abbott nor the motorcyclist had made any “drastic movements” before the crash, contradicting Abbott's account. No mechanical failures or obstacles were found, the report states.

Charges were filed May 13 by Lancaster Township police, and were held for court by District Judge Wayne Seibel earlier this month.

An Oct. 1 formal arraignment is scheduled before Judge William Shaffer. Abbott remains free on $6,000 unsecured bond.