Two teenagers have been arrested for allegedly attacking a homeless woman as she slept in Ventura. The entire attack was caught on camera.
The video, which shows several youths on e-bikes violently attacking the 66-year-old woman, was brought to the attention of Ventura Police Department officers on Monday when it began circulating on social media, police said in a statement.
Investigators say the attack happened on Main Street, under the Highway 33 overpass.
Another person living nearby said the woman, who has still not been identified, is peaceful and has lived in the area for about two years.
“He didn’t hurt anyone,” the man said.
With the public’s help, investigators were able to identify two of the suspects and search warrants were served at multiple locations on Friday, resulting in the arrest of two boys, ages 13 and 14.
They also seized evidence from the locations, including e-bikes, the VPD statement said.
“Following the social media post, detectives continue to receive multiple calls from other residents reporting being victims of previous attacks involving a group of youths on e-bikes,” police noted.
As such, several investigations have been opened and detectives are actively working to learn more about each investigation to determine if the two suspects were also involved in these incidents.
“The Ventura Police Department would like to remind the community and parents that there are strict rules regarding the use of e-bikes, including use by youth,” the statement said.
Other videos show similar incidents, with a group of e-bike riders punching and kicking someone in what appeared to be an unprovoked attack, which is just another in a long line of problems currently plaguing Southern California.
The Hermosa Beach Police Department is looking forward to it take action against unruly e-bike riderswhile so are Orange County authorities try to regulate use of the popular sensation that is taking the youth by storm.
