Toddler Killed by Pastor’s Van in Church Driveway
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PACOIMA — An 18-month-old boy died Monday morning after being struck by a van driven by his church pastor, police said.
Pastor Juan Rodriguez was returning from the grocery store about 10 a.m. when he pulled into the driveway of the Disciples of the Cross of Christian Church on Laurel Canyon Boulevard, said LAPD Det. Greg Pfeifle.
Daniel Cornejo, who was standing with his mother, ran toward the van and was struck and pulled under the wheels, Pfeifle said. The child suffered severe head injuries and died at the scene.
Daniel and his mother, Rosa del Carmen Alvarado, arrived in the United States just a month ago from El Salvador, Pfeifle said.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the incident was an accident, Pfeifle said, and Rodriguez was not being held.
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