FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The parents of the young boy killed in a crash while riding his motorized vehicle Friday night are speaking publicly for the first time.
13-year-old Dominiq Puentes died at the hospital after colliding with a truck at Bullard and Palm avenues in northwest Fresno.
His life was cut really short. He didn’t even get to fully really start living it.Brandon Escobedo, father of Dominiq Puentes
“His life was cut really short. He didn’t even get to fully really start living it,” said Puentes’ father, Brandon Escobedo. “He loved his mom – he was a mama’s boy. He loved his family. He loved to hang out with his cousins.”
Just two days later, Fresno police say another teen was seriously injured after crashing a pocket bike — also known as a miniature motorcycle — into a car in central Fresno.
The incidents come amid safety concerns surrounding young people riding motorized scooters and bikes.
Exactly one week before Puentes’ death, Fresno State announced it is banning them on campus come August.
Puentes’ parents support the decision, and they say it should go further than that.
The city says there are laws in place to help prevent these types of tragedies.
“If it is a street-legal motorcycle, then they have to have a license to even be on that,” said Fresno Police Sergeant Michael McCray.
The recent crashes have raised questions about parental responsibility.
Fresno County’s District Attorney says that for parents to be held criminally liable, they would have to have been notified that their child was driving recklessly or breaking the law.
Puentes’ mother tells Action News she did not purchase the moped for her son.
“And that’s why I said no; because the same bike he wanted took his life,” she said.
“Police say both adults and children need to follow the rules, and I agree. Law enforcement should enforce those rules and pull our kids over if needed. Save a life. As parents, we’d rather see care and prevention than judgement,” Puentes’ father said.
As Puentes’ family grieves, they have a message for other parents.
Puentes leaves behind his parents and five siblings.
The family has organized a GoFundMe to cover his funeral expenses.
