A Mercedes driver slapped a boy with autism for a bent ornament on the hood (6 photos + 1 video)
Category: Terrible (all news), News from the world
13 October 2024
In California, the driver of an expensive Mercedes S-Class hit a 10-year-old boy with autism for bending the hood ornament of his $146,000 car. The incident was filmed by a bystander, the car was identified by its license plate. Now the man who gave free rein to his anger and his hands could be in big trouble. 
The incident occurred on Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Pacoima. Ten-year-old Alfredo Morales, who has autism, became interested in a hood ornament and bent it.
The footage shows the driver of the car, wearing sunglasses, inspecting the damage, walking towards the boy (who is sitting next to him at a bus stop, accompanied by his sister) and slapping him.
"Sorry, my brother is autistic," the boy's sister tells the man, but that doesn't stop him.
Alfredo Morales' family has filed a police report. The driver could be charged with battery on a minor, which could be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of the injuries. If convicted, he could face up to six years in prison.
The boy's father said his son, who has autism, often touches objects around him to explore his surroundings. The family hopes the driver will be punished for attacking a child with special needs.
According to records, this 2023 Mercedes S-Class was purchased from a Southern California dealership a little over a year ago for $146,350. The bent hood ornament will cost about $500 to repair.
