A senior citizen in Lincolnton, North Carolina, was arrested Monday night after being identified as the driver of a dark-colored SUV that ran over six migrants in a Walmart supermarket parking lot over the weekend.
Daniel Gonzalez, 68-year-old, turned himself in to authorities accompanied by several family members. The family members told police that Gonzalez panicked after the incident and fled the scene, but that he had contacted them to admit his involvement.
Police had previously released a video of the hit-and-run, which they initially considered an intentional attack. The video showed the six migrants being run over as Gonzalez drove away in his SUV. Fortunately, none of the victims suffered serious injuries. Gonzalez was arrested for felony hit-and-run and his bail was set at $50,000. He is currently cooperating with the investigation, according to a statement from authorities.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants and other vulnerable populations in the United States, especially in times of heightened anti-immigration sentiment.