In an inspiring turn of events, a young boy with autism from California, who was assaulted by an irate driver in July, has received a new SUV thanks to overwhelming community support.
The original incident, in which Alfredo Morales, 10, was slapped by a Mercedes-Benz driver, drew national outrage after a video of the encounter went viral. Now, however, the story has taken a remarkable twist, highlighting the compassion of a local car dealership and supporters across the nation.
The Incident: Shocking assault captured on camera
In late July 2024, Alfredo Morales, who has severe autism, was sitting on a bus bench with his older sister when he reportedly touched the hood emblem on a Mercedes-Benz sedan parked nearby. The driver, identified as Scott Sakajian, responded aggressively, slapping Alfredo in the face. The shocking footage, which quickly circulated online, triggered widespread indignation, with many condemning Sakajian’s actions. Sakajian now faces charges of child cruelty and battery.
Unexpected support
The incident spotlighted Alfredo’s family, who had been living in a heavily worn 2010 Ford F-150 truck due to financial struggles. The truck was in dire condition, further complicating the family’s already difficult circumstances. In an unexpected act of kindness, Airport Marina Ford, a Los Angeles-based dealership, stepped forward to help.
On November 11, when the Morales family visited Airport Marina Ford to repair their aging truck, the dealership surprised them with a brand-new 2023 Ford Explorer, valued at around $36,000. Dan Theroux, general manager at Airport Marina Ford, explained the decision: “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.”
Theroux noted that the Morales’ old truck was beyond economical repair, requiring costly replacements like a new transmission and engine. The new SUV comes with a Gold Certified warranty, ensuring the family can access maintenance at any Ford dealership.
Community contributions and outpouring of support
Jamie Bishton, president of NOARUS Auto Group, which operates Airport Marina Ford, recounted the staff’s reaction to seeing the Morales’ dilapidated truck. “We saw it on the flatbed and we were like, ‘Uh oh, this needs more than just a repair,’” Bishton remarked.
The community’s support didn’t stop with the dealership’s gift. A GoFundMe campaign set up to assist the Morales family has also garnered attention. The fundraiser, which initially aimed to raise $10,000, describes Alfredo’s plight and his family’s difficult circumstances, calling on the public for assistance. By the time of publication, donations had soared past $98,000, far exceeding the original goal.
“Alfredo was the victim of a grown man slapping him at the bus stop,” the fundraiser’s page reads. “He has severe autism, and his family is in desperate need of help… They are currently homeless and any help will hopefully help them get into some housing.”
Amid these acts of generosity, Alfredo’s father, Miguel Morales, expressed his deep appreciation for the kindness shown by both the dealership and the public. “Amazing. I don’t have words to say… just say thanks. You know, thank God,” he shared.
The family, who once owned a restaurant, hopes the community’s support will help them find stability and, one day, reopen their business, which was shuttered in August 2023. This unexpected wave of compassion has given the Morales family renewed hope, offering a fresh start and highlighting the power of community solidarity in times of hardship.
