In Simi Valley, California, a pregnant street vendor was knocked to the ground following a racist tirade by a woman in the neighborhood.
The street vendor, who is seven months pregnant, suffered bruising on her abdomen but doctors say she will be OK.
Footage of the confrontation captured the moments leading up to the attack in Simi Valley.
“I told you not to come down this street anymore and I (expletive) meant it,” the woman told the vendor. “You bring down my property values.”
The incident happened around 4:30 p.m. Monday on Torrence Street and Brandon Avenue, according to the Simi Valley Police Department.
The accused, 56-year-old Julie Christine Sanchez, allegedly pushed the vendor’s cart into her, causing her to fall. Police reports indicate that Sanchez confronted the vendor, named Mary, under the pretext of concerns regarding operating without a permit and selling unsafe food.
In the video, Sanchez also says “get out of my neighborhood” and “speak English” before ramming the cart into Mary.
Sanchez has been arrested on battery charges.
According to her attorneys, this was not Mary’s first encounter with Sanchez – but it was the first time it turned physical.
In a press conference Friday, civil rights attorneys representing the victim announced they will be filing a lawsuit against Sanchez for the attack.
“If you’re targeting individuals based on their appearance or language, and causing them harm, we will take legal action against you,” stated attorney Humberto Guizar.
Mary’s attorneys are also calling on police to make the case a top priority and for the FBI and DA’s office to prosecute the case as a hate crime.
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