In an uplifting twist to a distressing incident, a California family received a brand-new car after the assault on their autistic son, Alfredo Morales, sparked widespread outrage.
The incident occurred in July 2024, when Alfredo, a 10-year-old boy with severe autism, was slapped by an enraged driver for allegedly touching the hood ornament on his luxury Mercedes-Benz sedan.
The shocking act was caught on video and quickly went viral, leading to an outpouring of support for the Morales family. Amid the overwhelming response, a local car dealership stepped up to replace the family’s worn-out truck with a new vehicle, providing them with a much-needed lifeline.
This heartwarming gesture not only restored the family’s hope but also highlighted the power of community solidarity and the importance of standing up against child abuse.
The Incident and Community Response
The incident took place in a Walmart parking lot in Sun Valley, California, where Alfredo Morales was sitting on a bus bench with his older sister. The boy, who has severe autism, allegedly touched the emblem on the hood of a $146,000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan.
The driver, identified as Scott Sakajian, reacted violently, slapping Alfredo in the face. The assault was captured on video and quickly went viral, sparking outrage and condemnation from the public.
The community rallied around the Morales family, living out of their 2010 Ford F-150 truck due to financial struggles. A family friend created a GoFundMe campaign to support them, which raised nearly $100,000. The overwhelming response from the public highlighted the importance of standing up against child abuse and supporting vulnerable families in need.
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A New Beginning for the Morales Family
On November 11, 2024, the Morales family brought their old truck to Airport Marina Ford in Los Angeles for repairs. The dealership, upon seeing the condition of the vehicle, decided to surprise the family with a brand-new 2023 Ford Explorer, valued at around $36,000.
The new SUV comes with a Gold Certified warranty, ensuring that the family can bring it to any Ford dealer for future maintenance.
Dan Theroux, the general manager at Airport Marina Ford, explained the decision to gift the new car: “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.”
The dealership’s president, Jamie Bishton, added that the old truck required extensive repairs, including a new transmission and engine.
The new car has provided the Morales family with a fresh start. Alfredo is now attending a new school that specializes in working with children with autism, and the family is actively seeking permanent housing.
They also hope to reopen their restaurant, which closed in August 2023 due to financial difficulties. The generosity of the community and the dealership has given the Morales family hope and a renewed sense of stability.
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