Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Drunk dad pushing 3-year-old son in stroller hit by car (La Puente, California)

Dad PEDRO LOZANO was "allegedly" intoxicated when he tried to stumble across the street with his 3-year-old son, who was in a stroller. Both were hit by a car. Of course, Dad got only abrasions. The little boy suffered abrasions AND a fractured skull, though he is expected to recover. The Department of Children and Family Services took custody of the child. Not a word on the mother here.

http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_13945976

Tot hit by car in protective services; father admits to drinking alcohol before collision
By James Wagner Staff Writer
Posted: 12/07/2009 03:44:23 PM PST

Officials have identified an allegedly drunken father who was struck by a car last week as he pushed his 3-year-old son in a stroller across a street.

Pedro Lozano, 38, of La Puente was arrested Friday for not having identification with him, police said. Charges of child endangerment and public intoxication were expected to be added.

The California Highway Patrol, which is investigating the incident, is expected to recommend those charges to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office as early as today, said Officer Edmund Zorrilla.

The child, Diego, is under the care of the county's Department of Children and Family Services, he said.

On Friday afternoon, Lozano was pushing his son across Azusa Avenue, near the intersection with Renault Street, in an unmarked crosswalk when a car hit him and his son.

Lozano and his son, who was not strapped into the stroller, were thrown to the ground, according to police. The stroller was dragged more than 50 feet.

The child, who suffered a fractured skull and abrasions, is expected to fully recover from his injuries, officials said. He was flown by helicopter to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center as a precaution.

The father received only abrasions from the incident.

Lozano admitted to drinking alcohol before the collision, investigators said.

He was booked Friday on $250 bail and released the next day, according to sheriff's records.

The driver of the car, a 34-year-old Covina woman, was unable to stop in time when she saw the father and son, officials said. She was driving between 30 and 40 miles per hour, and wasn't cited or arrested, according to police.

The incident is still under investigation.