ESCONDIDO — Police have arrested an Escondido man in connection with the death of an 11-year-old boy who was killed in a suspected hit-and-run collision on Thanksgiving eve.
Hector Balderas Amador, 44, was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on a charge of felony hit-and-run on Saturday. The vehicle involved in the crash has also been recovered, according to the Escondido Police Department.
Eleven-year-old Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz was struck by a vehicle in the roadway in front of his home in the 400 block of East Washington Avenue at the intersection of Hickory Street shortly after 5 p.m. on Nov. 26. Witnesses told police he went into the street to retrieve a soccer ball.
After striking the boy, the driver fled the scene. Aiden was taken to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, where he later died.
Police immediately began investigating the case. Three days later, Balderas was identified as the driver and arrested.
“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,” said Escondido Police Chief Ken Plunkett.
A GoFundMe was created by Irene Gonzales after Aiden’s death to help his family with funeral, memorial and medical expenses, time away from work, basic living costs, support for a community vigil to honor his life, and a reward to find the person responsible.
“No parent should have to plan their child’s funeral,” Gonzales states on the webpage. “No family should go through this alone.”
Aiden’s family says they are heartbroken while “facing every parent’s worst nightmare.” He was described as “a beloved child full of life, love, and innocence.”
The GoFundMe had raised $18,698 as of Sunday, nearing its $20,000 goal.
A vigil is expected to be held at the crash site in the near future. The date has yet to be determined.
