MARLBOROUGH – A GoFundMe page has been established to help the family of a Marlborough boy struck in a hit-and-run accident on Sunday, Aug. 27.
Dominic Ayala, 12, remains at UMass Memorial in Worcester in critical condition. According to the page, which was set up by a family friend, the boy suffered a fractured skull and a blood clot on the brain.
As of Aug. 29, more than $15,000 has been raised. The funds will go to the family to help with medical and other expenses.
The page may be accessed at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dominicks-road-to-recovery.
Ayala was struck by a vehicle around 11:47 a.m. near 300 Boston Post Road East, police said. That vehicle, identified by Marlborough Police as a gray or light green SUV, fled the scene after the accident on Boston Post Road East heading westbound, and took a right turn into the back entrance of Ghiloni Park.
According to documents filed in Marlborough District Court, police found a round plastic piece at the accident scene. That piece was a fog lamp protector from a Toyota Highlander. Further checks located a 2005 Highlander at Royal Crest Drive with a smashed windshield on its passenger side.
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The driver of the vehicle was identified as Andy Lopez, 19. During an interview with police on Monday, Aug. 28, Lopez said he was traveling west on Boston Post Road East when he swerved to avoid two kids riding bicycles. In doing so, Lopez said he nearly struck another vehicle.
He told police the damage came from a falling tree limb while the vehicle was in the parking lot. Lopez said he had called his insurance company to notify them of the damage.
Police arrested Lopez; he was brought to Marlborough District Court and was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury; unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; and filing a false insurance claim.
Bail was set at $5,000 and posted. As part of the conditions, Lopez is not to drive without a license; have no contact with the victim or his family; and remain confined at home with a GPS (exceptions for medical or legal reasons).
Lopez will be back in court on Monday, Sept. 25, for a probable cause hearing.
