support@headlinenews360.com
Last Updated:
A Mercedes driver slapped the 10-year-old autistic boy in a startling incident that was captured on camera.
A brand-new 2023 Ford Explorer was gifted to Alfredo Morales’ family. (Photo Credits: gofundme.com)
A 10-year-old child with autism from California who was smacked by a furious Mercedes driver a few months ago recently got the surprise of his life when he was gifted a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). The incident, which took place in July 2024, was captured on camera and went viral, provoking widespread indignation. Alfredo Morales and his older sister were sitting on a bus bench when a irate man, named Scott Sakajian, struck him across the face in the video. Alfredo allegedly touched the logo on the hood of Sakajian’s $1,46,000 (about Rs 12 crore) Mercedes-Benz car, which sparked the incident. Sakajian was charged with child cruelty and violence as a result of the event.
The local support quickly rallied around Alfredo’s family, who were struggling financially and were living in a seriously damaged 2010 Ford F-150. Surprisingly, a brand-new 2023 Ford Explorer, valued at around $36,000 (almost Rs 3 crore), was gifted from the dealership when they brought their car for repair to Airport Marina Ford in Los Angeles on November 11.
“If there’s a child involved in a situation like that, and the condition of living in the other vehicle, and trying to survive out of that, and then that vehicle being as bad as it was, it was just the right thing to do,” ABC 7 quoted Dan Theroux, general manager of Airport Marina Ford, as stating. He clarified that the vintage truck owned by Morales needed expensive repairs, such as a new engine and gearbox.
With the Gold Certified warranty that comes with the new SUV, the family may make use of any Ford dealership for any future maintenance, as per reports. The president of NOARUS Auto Group, Jamie Bishton, revealed that they immediately realised the old truck required more than a few repairs after examining it upon arrival.
Numerous people have offered assistance since the incident took place. They also received help through a GoFundMe page. “Alfredo was the victim of a grown man slapping him at the bus stop. He has severe Autism and his family is in desperate need of help. Any help would be greatly appreciated by them. They are currently homeless and any help will hopefully help them get into some housing,” the fundraiser’s page read.
The campaign reportedly raised $98,285, well beyond the $10,000 goal it had set. The Morales family now intends to ultimately reopen their restaurant, which closed in August 2023.
