A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Stanislaus County, California, when a two-year-old boy lost his life after running onto the road and being struck by a passing vehicle.

Just two days later, the child’s grieving father was taken into custody after allegedly firing shots at the driver. Elvis Zepeda, 28, now faces charges of attempted murder, illegal firearm possession, and possession of a controlled substance, according to KMPH, a Fresno Fox affiliate. He was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 21, at approximately 8:30 p.m. along Highway 33. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Zepeda and his son, Benjamin, were near a food truck on the side of the road when the toddler suddenly ran into traffic. His father tried to stop him, but the little boy ran directly into the path of an oncoming BMW.

The 19-year-old driver immediately stopped and got out to assist, but authorities say Zepeda pulled out a firearm and began shooting at the vehicle. Fearing for his safety, the driver fled but later contacted CHP and cooperated fully with the investigation. Officials found no evidence of reckless driving.

Emergency responders rushed Benjamin to Doctors Medical Center but sadly he did not survive.

His mother, Almendra Alfaro, described Benjamin as a joyful, funny child who loved Spider-Man and juice boxes. A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family with funeral expenses.