HollyMatkinWinston-Salem, SC – A 2-year-old boy has died from injuries he sustained when an intoxicated illegal immigrant crashed into the ambulance that was transporting the child to a hospital, police said.
Jose Duran Romero, 27, whom records showed never had a driver’s license, had a blood-alcohol content that was over twice the legal limit when he crashed his Honda Accord into the side of an ambulance at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, WGHP reported.
The ambulance had been transporting a 2-year-old boy and his mother, 27-year-old Lyndsay Ann Oakes, to a trauma center when the collision occurred, FOX News reported.
According to The News & Observer, police said both drivers lost control of their vehicles. The ambulance rolled onto its side, and Romero crashed into a ditch.
He and his passenger, 33-year-old Andres Leon, attempted to flee the scene on foot. One was apprehended by a witness, while the other was stopped by responding officers.
The toddler was in stable condition prior to the crash, but sustained life-threatening injuries during the collision. He was pronounced dead on Monday, police said.
The boy’s mother and two other adults inside the ambulance were treated for minor injuries, and weare expected make full recoveries.
According to court documents, witnesses said Romero looked “grossly impaired,” after the crash, and had “bloodshot, glassy eyes,” and “slurred speech,” WGHP reported.
Nearly two hours after the incident, he had a blood-alcohol content of 0.19, according to The News & Observer.
Romero, a citizen of El Salvador, was being held on $50,000 secured bond for charges of driving while intoxicated, failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, and driving without a license.
He was also placed on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer.
Additional charges may be forthcoming, due to the little boy’s death.
Leon was charged with failure to render aid or give information in connection to the collision. He was released from jail on $1,000 bond on Sunday night.