The family of a boy with autism who was slapped by a man in a viral video surprised everyone with a new SUV at a Ford dealership in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Earlier this summer, a shocking video of a man beating an autistic boy in Arleta sparked outrage. Since then, the community has stood behind the child and his family, showing them love and support.

Then the family received one on Monday large Surprise after encountering some problems with their truck.

The Airport Marina Ford team surprised Alfredo Morales and his family with a brand new 2023 Ford Explorer.

“When a child is involved in a situation like that and the situation of living in the other vehicle and trying to survive there, and then the vehicle is as bad as it was, then it was the right thing to do,” Dan Theroux said , the general manager at Marina Ford Airport.

Video of the incident quickly went viral in June. It shows 10-year-old Alfredo sitting on a bus bench with his older sister when the angry man, identified as Scott Sakajian, punches him. The boy reportedly damaged the Mercedes emblem on the front of Sakajian's car.

READ MORE | Video shows a man beating a 10-year-old boy with autism after he allegedly damaged a car's hood ornament

Sakajian has since been charged with intentional cruelty to a child and assault on a person.

The team at Marina Ford Airport said when the family brought in their 2010 Ford F-150, the original plan was to repair it, but it was in poor condition.

They said it needed a new transmission and engine, and the interior needed to be completely removed.

“Dan took the Ford to the dealer. We saw it on the bed and thought, 'Oh, this needs more than just a repair,'” said Jamie Bishton, president of NOARUS Auto Group.

The vehicle also comes with a Gold Certified warranty, meaning if the truck ever causes problems, the family can bring it back any Ford dealer to have the problem corrected.

Since the incident, a GoFundMe campaign set up to support the family has raised nearly $100,000.

In addition to a brand new SUV, Alfredo is now attending a new school that specializes in working with children with autism.

“Astonishing. I’m at a loss for words,” said the boy’s father, Miguel Morales. “It's crazy. I don't have to say anything. I'm at a loss for words, I just say thank you. You know, thank God.”

Miguel told ABC7 that he and his family are trying to find a permanent home and hope to reopen their restaurant business, which closed in August 2023.