An Escondido neighborhood is coming to terms with a harrowing incident: an 11-year-old boy, Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz, was struck and killed by a vehicle last Wednesday while playing outside his home; the driver, subsequently identified as Hector Balderas Amador, fled the scene without rendering aid. Aiden later died from his injuries, and in a swift response by local authorities, Amador has now been arrested on felony hit-and-run charges, according to the Hoodline report.
In the wake of the tragedy, Aiden's aunt Arianna Tapia conveyed her anguish over the loss, "I’m angry, I’m upset. It’s a holiday. He was 11 years old. No one should be treated like that," she told FOX5 San Diego as Hoodline reported, and while the family battled against the tides of grief, a GoFundMe campaign was established which has raised over $13,000 towards a goal of $18,000 to cover medical and funeral expenses and support the Torres De Paz family in this time of need the campaign page articulates, "Aiden deserves justice. This family deserves support and love from their community."
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has issued a statement obtained by DHS, revealing that Hector Balderas Amador, also known as Hector Balderas-Aheelor, had been deported four times previously, and ICE had lodged an immigration detainer with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office following his arrest. They express concern that California’s sanctuary policies might hinder their attempts to ensure Aiden's family receives the justice they deserve, as Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin urged Governor Gavin Newsom to honor the ICE detainer.
As the community and the Escondido Police Department navigate this difficult time, the police chief Ken Plunkett has praised the community for its instrumental role in aiding the arrest stating via Hoodline "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," a sentiment that underscores the collaboration between law enforcement and local residents, the department continues to seek additional information or surveillance footage that could shed further light on the circumstances of the hit-and-run and those with information can reach out to Escondido Police Officer Paul Smyth at 760-839-4423.
