2-year-old boy killed in Barstow floods

Rescue crews recovered the body of a 2-year-old boy swept away during the recent flooding in Barstow.

The Barstow Police Department said officers and firefighters were dispatched around 7:14 p.m. on Thursday to the area of West Main Street after the flooding pushed the car carrying Xavier Padilla Aguilera, 2, and his father, Brandon Padilla Aguilera, 26, into a nearby wash.

The current of the floodwaters separated the pair, according to Barstow police.

Barstow police said because of the situation, assistance from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Police, California Highway Patrol, City of Barstow Public Works, MCLB Fire, Desert Ambulance, and San Bernardino County Fire's Swift Water Rescue Team was quickly requested.  

Police also located Brandon Padilla Aguilera on an island created by the floodwaters. He was rescued and taken to the Barstow Community Hospital, where he was later released.

After searching for nearly 20 hours, rescue crews located his son in the San Bernardino Flood Control channel south of the Mojave River. They pronounced the 2-year-old dead at the scene. 

"Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time," Barstow City staff wrote in a Facebook post. "We extend our deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy."