Police seek help for little boy hurt in Modesto wreck that killed his father | Modesto Bee

Law enforcement agencies are asking for help from the public to support the family of the 4-year-old boy critically injured this week when his father lost control of his pickup and crashed into an east Modesto playground.

Leland Davis, 39, of Modesto, was killed in the crash at Sonoma Park, but doctors are hopeful 4-year-old Logan will make a full recovery.

HELP of Stanislaus County, a nonprofit created by local law enforcement agencies including the Modesto Police Department, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office, has stepped in to help the Davis family. The organization operates primarily in Stanislaus County to facilitate community donations and support for victims and their families.

On Tuesday morning, witnesses told police a white Toyota pickup was driving north on McGuire Drive, near Oakdale Road and East Orangeburg Avenue, when it veered off the road.

The pickup flew 10 to 20 feet into the air and hit a tree before coming to rest near playground equipment at Sonoma Park. There were several children in the playground, but none was injured.

A witness to the crash ran over and began looking inside the crushed vehicle for survivors. The witness heard a small voice from inside the vehicle crying for his dad, so he reached in. A tiny hand grabbed him and held tight, begging him, “Please don’t let me go.”

The officer ran to the driver’s side to check on the driver, who was already dead. When the fire department arrived, a firefighter took over the duty of holding the boy’s hand. The child was trapped in the car, holding onto the rescuers for about 15 minutes.

Doctors have placed Logan in a cast which covers his body from the waist down, due to fractures sustained in the accident.

The Modesto Police Department would like to contact the witness who held Logan’s hand while waiting for rescue workers to arrive. If you have information, call Officer Cuellar at 572-9592.

Donations for “Logan’s Fund” can be made payable to HELP of Stanislaus County at the Modesto Police Department or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 579595, Modesto, CA 95357. Donations will also be accepted at Valley First Credit Union for "Logan’s Fund."