From Kim Minugh:
Sacramento police have released a more detailed description of the car believed to have fatally struck a 4-year-old boy headed to preschool Monday morning.
They describe the car as a 1995-1997 Nissan Maxima, dark red or burgundy with a black-tinted rear window, according to a news release. The car might have minimal or no damage to the front-end of the vehicle, the release states.
Jonathan Vasquez, 4, died at UC Davis Medical Center after he being struck as he was riding a scooter on the sidewalk approaching the Smythe Academy on Northgate Boulevard, according to police. He was struck by a car pulling out of the school's driveway onto southbound Northgate Boulevard. The car did not stop after the collision, police said.
His grandmother and 7-year-old brother, who were trailing behind him on foot, were not injured.
Jonathan's father, said his family is mourning and trying to make funeral arrangements.
"My boy was very happy," said Sergio Vasquez, 29, a house painter. In halting English, the grieving Vasquez said Jonathan loved going to school.
"Oh, sure," he said. "We are very sad."
Vasquez said that he might take his son's body to Mexico for burial. The boy's mother is in Mexico.
"I don't know what we will do right now," said Vasquez. "We don't have the money right now."
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or traffic detectives at (916) 808-6030. People also can text in a tip to 274637 by entering the word "SACTIP" followed by the information. Callers can remain anonymous and might be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Mexican Consul General Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez said the consulate has established the Vasquez Family Fund - Wells Fargo Account Number 7143473283 - to assist with funeral arrangements here. For more information call 916-329-3533.
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