Teen cited for allegedly running over toddler on Thanksgiving

A teen driver has been cited with negligent homicide and failure to remain at the scene of a death after he allegedly ran over a 3-year-old child in Northwood Trailer Park in Pablo.

According to a press release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Chasen Curley, 17, was taken into custody after he was located a short time after the incident. He was reportedly found in the Ronan area in a suspect vehicle that matched the description of a sport utility vehicle that allegedly ran over the toddler at about 4 p.m. on Thursday.

Curley allegedly fled the scene and was driving recklessly during the incident.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased child as Phillip Shourds, Jr.

An investigation by Montana Highway Patrol and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division is still ongoing. Flathead Tribal Police and Lake County Sheriff’s deputies also responded to the scene.  

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.