A woman from Ventura County was caught on video physically assaulting a 7-month-pregnant street vendor earlier this week after subjecting her to racist abuse.
The victim, identified as Mary B., claims this was not the first time the aggressor had targeted her. However, this time, the woman was arrested, and Mary has now filed a lawsuit against her.
The suspect has been named as 56-year-old Julie Christine Sanchez of Simi Valley.
The incident took place on Monday, April 14, shortly before 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Torrance Street and Brandon Avenue.
Mary, who was working as a street vendor, explained to KTLA’s Rachel Menitoff that she was going about her business when Sanchez began harassing her. During the confrontation, Mary managed to capture the exchange on her phone.
“I don’t want you down this street,” Sanchez is heard saying while blocking Mary’s path. “Leave now, you’re not welcome here anymore.”
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Mary, responding in Spanish, tells Sanchez, “Let me pass, I’m not bothering you in your home.”
In response, Sanchez, who is also seen holding a dog, snapped, “America? Speak English.”
Sanchez then grabbed hold of Mary’s cart, saying, “I told you not to come down my street, and I meant it. You’re lowering my property value.”
Footage from a nearby home security camera shows Sanchez using Mary’s cart to shove her to the ground, causing Mary to fall.
Mary explained in a press conference, “She insisted I speak English, which I couldn’t, and then pushed my cart, making me fall.”
Mary’s legal team believes the attack was racially motivated and is now pursuing legal action.
“This woman from Simi Valley attacked not only Mary, but also her unborn child and the street vendor community in Los Angeles,” said civil rights attorney Christian Contreras.
Alongside his colleague, Humberto Guizar, Contreras is calling for the Ventura County District Attorney’s office to pursue hate crime charges against Sanchez.
“If people are attacked just because they look different or speak a different language, we will take action. We will hold them accountable in court,” said Guizar.
The Simi Valley Police issued Sanchez a citation for battery, along with a summons to appear in court. The decision on whether to pursue prosecution now lies with the District Attorney’s office.
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