An Escondido community is confronting the heartbreak following a tragic hit-and-run that led to the death of Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz, an 11-year-old boy. Last Wednesday, Aiden was hit by a vehicle while he was playing outside his home on East Washington Avenue. The driver fled the scene without attending to the young boy, who tragically died from his injuries after being rushed to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, as reported by the Escondido Police Department.
In a community grappling with this sudden loss, police have made an arrest. Hector Balderas Amador, 44, was apprehended yesterday and now faces felony hit-and-run charges, with authorities also recovering the vehicle involved. This development comes as the Escondido Police Chief Ken Plunkett acknowledged the role of community cooperation in the arrest, stating, "We are grateful and appreciative for the trust and partnership our police department shares with the community, which aided in the identification and arrest of the driver in this tragic incident," according to the Escondido Police Department.
The aftermath of the incident has seen a poignant reflection from Aiden's aunt, Arianna Tapia, who, in a statement to FOX5 San Diego, per Hoodline, expressed, “I’m angry, I’m upset. It’s a holiday. He was 11 years old. No one should be treated like that.” Her words echo a community united in grief, particularly as they navigated the Thanksgiving holiday and anticipated Aiden's 12th birthday in December.
Despite the tragedy, the community has rallied to support the Torres De Paz family through a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical and funeral costs, as well as other living expenses. The fundraiser has generated considerable support, having already raised over $13,000 of the $18,000 goal, emphasizing the communal statement, "Aiden deserves justice. This family deserves support and love from their community," as Hoodline reported.
The Escondido Police Department continues to seek assistance from the public regarding the hit-and-run incident, encouraging anyone with information or surveillance footage to come forward and contact Officer Paul Smyth directly at 760-839-4423.
