Car from hit-and-run fatality seized

In the midst of the community mourning the death of the 16-year-old girl killed in a hit-and-run crash Dec. 12, the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation Police Department said it found and seized the car that hit and killed Lacey Arkinson and a suspect has been identified.

The Rocky Boy community is holding a candlelight vigil for Lacey tonight at 5 p.m. in Veterans Park at the reservation to "honor the life of Lacey, who tragically was taken too soon, to offer strength and support for Lacey's family, friends and our community," a post on the Chippewa Cree Tribe's Facebook page said. "Also to encourage the person/people responsible to please come forward."

Rocky Boy Schools is holding a balloon dedication this afternoon at 1 p.m. at the Rocky Boy Schools football field in memory of Lacey Arkinson and another girl who died in a car crash April 6, Tyra Parker, 13.

A press release from the Rocky Boy police said officers responded to a call at 11:11 p.m. Dec. 12 reporting a pedestrian was struck on Laredo Road near its intersection with Upper Box Elder Road.

After officers arrived on scene, they found an unresponsive female lying on the shoulder of the roadway. Medical attention was attempted but Lacey Arkinson, daughter of Frank Parisian and Violet Arkinson, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect vehicle fled the area before officers arrived.

Officers said the suspected vehicle was a 2015-2016 Dodge Journey, which should have damage to its front passenger side.

The release about finding the vehicle did not specify its make or model. Requests for more information had not been responded to by printing deadline this morning.

A press release Wednesday said the Chippewa Cree Tribe was offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Thursday's release said FBI and Rocky Boy's Criminal Investigations Division are continuing the investigation.

"We would like to thank the community for their support and providing valuable information on this incident," the release said. "All other questions can be forwarded to the FBI."