Balloon release held for Darien Lewis, 6, killed by drunk driver; family calling for justice
Balloon release held for 6-year-old Houston boy killed by drunk driver
FOX 26's Sherman Desselle caught up with family members who released balloons, played songs, and send prayers for Darien Lewis in front of the Mega Washateria near the corner of Bissonnet Street and Leawood Boulevard, where he died after getting hit by a drunk driver.
Houston - Family and friends of the 6-year-old Houston boy killed by a suspected drunk driver paid tribute to his life Saturday.
PREVIOUS STORY: Houston boy, 6, run over in parking lot; alleged intoxicated driver Pedro Alberto Hernandez charged
Balloons, songs, and prayers were lifted for Darien Lewis in front of the Mega Washateria near the corner of Bissonnet Street and Leawood Boulevard.
On October 1 at around 6 pm, police say Lewis was with his family at the washateria when 52-year-old Pedro Alberto Hernandez was driving a Chevy Tahoe through the parking lot.
As Darien walked ahead of his family, police say he was struck by the Tahoe and died at the scene. Officers determined Hernandez was intoxicated and took him into custody. He faces a murder charge and a third DWI offense.
"He slipped through the cracks," says Darien's grandfather Dana Hubbard about the driver. "Drinking and driving, on probation for five years, then he had the nerve to get behind the wheel again? I just don’t want anybody else to go through the same pain that my family is going through."
MORE: Houston 6-year-old run over in parking lot; alleged drunk driver 'smirked' during crash
Young children, who were friends with the 6-year-old, were also in attendance. The family tells FOX 26 that funeral arrangements for the child will be finalized soon.
"When you get the chance, you go back home. Find your kids. Hug your kids, tell them that you love them," says Hubbard.