Montrose police are investigating a molestation case in which a 13-year-old boy is accused of sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl.
The alleged assault occurred Nov. 1, while the boy was babysitting the girl, police said.
Montrose police Chief Tom Chinn confirmed Thursday that officers were investigating the case but said he didn’t have exact details.
He referred inquiries to a police commander, who could not be reached for comment.
The case was first reported by the Montrose Daily Press in Wednesday’s editions.
The boy’s stepfather called authorities after learning of the alleged assault, according to the news report. Medical help was also summoned, though the girl’s mother ultimately took the girl to the hospital.
The girl’s condition was not available Thursday.
The alleged assault involved some type of penetration, according to the Daily Press report.
Officers interviewed the boy, then took him to Grand Mesa Youth Services in Grand Junction, where he is being held. The 7th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which prosecutes cases in Montrose County, is also reviewing the case for possible criminal charges.
Chinn said investigators are looking at what prompted the alleged assault and whether the boy himself had been a victim too.
“It’s a tragic situation, there’s no doubt about it, for everyone,” Chinn said. “For the victim, for the suspect and for the families of the victim and the suspect.”
Staff writer John Ingold can be reached at 720-929-0898 or jingold@denverpost.com.
