LOS ANGELES – Cell phone video captured the moment a man slapped a child with autism for touching his car in Pacoima.
Alfredo Morales, 10, and his older sister were crossing the street at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Osbourne Street when the boy reached out and touched the emblem on the man’s Mercedes-Benz sedan.
The man made an immediate U-turn and followed the two siblings to a bus stop where he pulled over. That’s when he walked over to Alfredo who was sitting on a bench and slapped him.
His sister, who was heard apologizing, tried to intervene, but the man was still able to strike the boy.
Family members tell KTLA’s Mary Beth McDade they are angry and said the incident happened on July 1 as the siblings were waiting for the bus to make their daily food run.
The boy’s father, Miguel Morales, said Alfredo has autism and often touches objects around him to explore his environment.
Miguel said his family wants justice for Alfredo and has filed a police report on the incident.
The witness who filmed the assault, identified only as Ashley, said she was shocked when the man pulled over and began yelling at the siblings.
“I was traumatized, I was shaking,” Ashley said when she witnessed the man hitting the boy. “I said, ‘Hey sir, stop! You can’t be doing that.'”
Video of the incident has gone viral on social media, with some upset community members showing up at the suspect’s home to demand answers.
“We’re here to support and to let the community know that this shouldn’t happen, especially with the boy being autistic,” said Laura Diaz, a concerned resident.
Deputies were seen surrounding the suspect’s home after reports of stalking and death threats that were made against his family.
KTLA has identified the man involved in the incident but was told he was out of town when we reached out for a statement.
A GoFundMe for the Morales family, who are currently homeless, was created by community members and can be found here.
Video of the incident can be seen in the video player above.