HOUSTON — A mother is facing a felony charge after she is accused of running over her 3-year-old child with her SUV.
CNN reported that the 26-year-old Texas woman, named Lexus Stagg, is accused of playing a game of chicken with her children, according to Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg.
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“Every parent has an obligation to protect their children, even from themselves,” Ogg said. “Car’s aren’t toys and playing chicken with your kids isn’t a game.”
Ogg's office said in a Friday news release that Stagg was seen on surveillance video at a Houston apartment complex driving a 2006 Lincoln Navigator into her son in broad daylight. According to the news release, Stagg initially told police she thought she hit a speed bump while the vehicle was in reverse.
The news release said Stagg kept driving forward, running over the child with the rear right tire of the 5,600-pound SUV. The child died from his injuries.
The Houston Chronicle reported that Stagg was arrested Thursday and charged with third-degree felony criminally negligent homicide charge. He bail is set at $1,500, but prosecutors requested a higher amount of $50,000.
"You should be playing Peek-A-Boo with a three-year-old instead of forcing him to try and dodge a 5,600-pound deadly weapon," Harris County District Attorney's Office Vehicular Crimes Chief Sean Teare said in a statement.
If convicted, Stagg could face up to 10 years in prison.