Child Struck And Killed By Car In Cathedral City

A Cathedral City family is mourning the death of a child, today.

8 year old Mario Salinas, Jr was struck and killed by a car when he ran out into the street.

The boy’s father says he was trying to get away from a stray dog.

Rescue crews were called to Durango Road just west of Avenida Maravilla, last night.

The father, who didn’t want be identified, said he performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

“It was really hard. That moment was devastating for me. I was crazy. I didn’t know what to do,” said the father.

Paramedics rushed the boy to Desert Regional Medical Center where he died a short time later.

The boy’s father is now planning the funeral and, his daughter doesn’t know yet brother is dead.

“She asks for him. How’s the condition and everything. And I lie because I don’t know how I’m going to tell her. Because they are twins. They are too close together,” said the father.

Police said it didn’t appear alcohol or drugs had anything to do with the deadly crash.

Officers say the driver followed the speed limit and just didn’t have enough time to stop.

The driver wasn’t charge or arrested, but Cathedral City Police said the investigation continues.