An 8-year-old child died after being hit by a car after jumping out of her mother’s car to flee a domestic violence episode in central California.
The child leapt out of her mother’s SUV in Fresno just after 10 p.m. on Friday and began strolling down a busy street, according to California Highway Patrol.
The girl’s 22-year-old mom was driving the SUV with her 8-year-old and 2-year-old children when she “became the victim of domestic abuse” by the male passenger identified as 51-year-old Juan Del Toro and was hauled over, according to the highway patrol.
He was the attacker in relation to the driver. The motorist pulled over to the right shoulder, afraid for her security, says California Highway Patrol Sgt. Mike Salas.
When the mother pulled over, her eight-year-old had the chance to leap out of the car and flee, but the thick fog that had blanketed the region that night rendered sight on the road difficult.
The child was hit by a car driven by an 82-year-old man in a deep fog with no lights.
Del Toro was detained for domestic abuse, while the 22-year-old lady was detained and then freed for drunk driving.
Salas added that it was a complete disaster. They have domestic violence, drunk driving, and now the loss of an eight-year-old child.
The 82-year-old motorist who struck the small child halted and is working with authorities.
This is a tragic event. It’s unimaginable how terrified the little girl must have been and how she simply wanted to get away, which drove her down another dangerous road.
It’s heartbreaking to consider about her and all the other kids who are not secure in the hands of those who are meant to protect them.
Rest in peace little angel. Please spread the word.
