Plaque honors baby killed in DTLA Art Walk crash

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Parents Natasha and Jimmy Vasquez remain heartbroken for their baby son who died nearly four years ago when a car plowed into the sidewalk during the monthly Downtown Art Walk.

On Wednesday, a special dedication ceremony was held to honor Marcello Vasquez, who was only 2 months old when he was killed. As part of a legal settlement, the city installed a plaque in a pocket park, steps from where baby Vasquez died.

"You never think things are going to happen when you are standing on the sidewalk," Jim Vasquez said.

The Vasquez's say the city was partly to blame and won a $510,000 settlement. The Art Walk held in July 2011 was operating without a permit, said their lawyers. There were thousands of pedestrians and too many cars, they said.

The tragedy and the lawsuit brought swift changes.

"It meant street closures on one lanes turning left or turning right in any particular direction. LAPD really stepped up to make these changes with the city," lawyer Ryan Saba said.

Elsewhere, events on or near streets have also spurred safeguards. Ten people were killed when an elderly man plowed into the Santa Monica Farmers Market 10 years ago. An Italian tourist was killed in a similar crash on the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

The driver who hit baby Vasquez did not face charges. The incident was assessed as a tragedy.

Meanwhile, Natasha Vasquez urges others to be extra cautious near traffic, even if it seems you are in a safe place.

"We just don't even go by a curb with the kids. We stay as far away as possible," she said.