HALTOM CITY, TX (01/25/2016) — 9-year-old Juan Rendon remains hospitalized with critical injuries after an intoxicated driver struck him on Monday night.
Vernon McFatridge
Police have identified Vernon McFatridge as the 78-year-old driver who struck and injured 9-year-old Juan Rendon in Haltom City, Texas.
According to authorities, the accident occurred at the intersection of Huddleston Street and Banner Drive at around 8:00 p.m. Monday evening.
Detective Ray Beshirs stated that McFatridge struck the child, who was riding his bicycle near a mobile home park. McFatridge was arrested and charged with intoxication assault.
Rendon was airlifted to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, where he remains in critical condition.
Commentary
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), in 2013, 1,149 children under the age of 14 were killed in motor vehicle accidents. Around 17% of those fatalities were caused by drunk drivers. We cannot discuss enough the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Driving while impaired significantly reduces your ability to make decisions quickly—which is necessary while operating a car, since driving conditions change in an instant. There’s simply no excuse to drive while intoxicated. Before you leave, always have a plan ready to get home safely.
