CPS to Investigate Child’s Hit and Run Death

GREGG COUNTY — Child Protective Services say they are starting an investigation into the hit-and-run death of a Gregg County 4-year-old. Deputies were called to the the boy’s residence at about 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 19 after family members reported Cesar Cruz missing. His body was found in a ditch on Texas 149 near Younger Road a few hours later.

Child Protective Services spokeswoman Shari Pulliam said their agency is called to investigate all child deaths. “CPS is currently looking into the supervision of the child at the time of the incident, and making sure that the remaining children are properly supervised,” Pulliam said. She said no children have been removed from the home and noted that CPS was providing grief counseling resources to the family.

This past week, DPS officials said investigators identified 56-year-old Margarito Salinas Aguilar as the driver of a 1999 silver Dodge Durango that they believe hit Cesar, who was walking along Texas 149. Trooper Carl Davis said Aguilar, who is a legal U.S. resident, has been formally issued citations for driving with a suspended license, an expired license and not having his vehicle insured. Aguilar has had a suspended driver’s license since 2004 or 2005 because of unpaid tickets, Davis said. “The tickets have been paid, and the issue now is that he couldn’t get insurance,” he said.

The Gregg County District Attorney’s Office is also investigating the case.