Sakajian arrested after slapping disabled 10-year-old boy because he bent the emblem on his vehicle

California – In a shocking incident in California that has sparked widespread outrage on social media, police arrested a man for allegedly assaulting a 10-year-old boy with autism. The accused, S. Sakajian, faces charges of willful cruelty to a child and battery on a person following the altercation that occurred on July 3.

The incident unfolded when A. Morales, the young victim, was crossing the street with his older sister. The situation escalated after Morales innocently bent the emblem on a Mercedes-Benz that had stopped at a light. The car’s driver, identified as Sakajian, retaliated by tracking down the siblings to a nearby bus stop.

A bystander captured the distressing moment on video, which shows Sakajian exiting his vehicle and approaching the children. Despite the sister’s attempts to explain Morales’s condition and apologize, Sakajian reportedly slapped the boy. The woman who recorded the incident recounted to KTLA, her horror at witnessing the assault. She intervened verbally, attempting to stop Sakajian’s aggressive behavior.

The video quickly went viral, leading to intense public backlash and efforts to identify Sakajian. Within days, the community located his residence, and some locals confronted him, prompting police intervention due to threats. As news of the family’s hardships spread—highlighting that they were homeless and living out of a broken-down truck—a GoFundMe campaign was initiated. Remarkably, this effort has raised approximately $100,000 to support Morales and his family, enabling them to secure temporary housing.

Additionally, community members have organized a separate fundraiser to further aid the family during this challenging time, showcasing widespread support and solidarity.

Sakajian is scheduled to appear in court on August 2. This case not only highlights the severity of his alleged actions but also underscores the broader issues of community safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The incident has catalyzed discussions about the treatment of autistic individuals and the responsibilities of motorists and community members in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all.