It's the beginning of a new life for a California family.
The family of an autistic boy who was slapped by an enraged Mercedes driver in a shocking viral video were surprised by a brand new SUV.
After footage of Alfredo Morales, 10, being beaten by an adult man went viral this summer, it was later revealed that he and his family were living in a beat-up 2010 Ford F-150. ABC7 reported.
When the family brought their car to Marina Ford Airport in Los Angeles for repairs on Monday, the dealership surprised them with a free, brand-new 2023 Ford Explorer worth about $36,000. I made it.
“If that vehicle was in as bad of a condition, with a child involved in a situation like that, living in another vehicle and trying to survive from it, that was the right thing to do,” said the dealership's general manager. Dan Theroux told the magazine.
Theroux said the family's car required extensive restoration, including a new transmission, engine and new interior.
“Dan had the Ford come to the dealership. We looked at it on the flatbed and thought, 'Wow, this needs more than just a repair,'” said Jamie Bishton, president of NOARUS Auto Group. added.
This car comes with a Gold Certified Warranty, so your family can take it to a Ford dealer whenever it needs repairs.
A video that went viral in July showed a man identified as Scott Sakajian punching Alfredo in the face in a fit of rage after he allegedly touched the Mercedes-Benz emblem on the hood of Sakajian's $146,000 luxury sedan. Alfredo is seen sitting on a bus bench with his sister.
Sakajian was subsequently charged with intentional abuse of a child and assault on a person.
Since this amazing incident, a GoFundMe has raised nearly $100,000 for a family living in their truck due to financial hardship.
“It's amazing. There are no words to describe it,” the boy's father, Miguel Morales, told the magazine. “That's crazy. You don't have to say anything. There are no words, just say thank you. You know, thank God.”
In addition to the new truck, Alfredo's family also enrolled him in a school that specializes in helping children with autism.
The father added that he and his family are looking for a more permanent home. The company also hopes to reopen the closed restaurant in August 2023.
