Jeffrey Gregory, a 12-year-old boy in Santa Ana, was riding his bike on a sidewalk when an elderly woman became upset with him – and the entire fracas was caught on video as the boy was wearing a body camera.
The woman, Susan Garcia, is almost 80 and is a self-proclaimed HOA board member.
The video, which has gone viral, showed Jeffrey being attacked by Garcia, who has been referred to in social media as a “Neighborhood Karen” telling Jeffrey to “get the hell off the sidewalk, now.”
Jeffrey responded to Garcia by saying “Excuse me” then she said again “Get off the sidewalk,” and appears to push him.
Jeffrey then told Garcia “Please don’t touch me.” That was followed by the sound of a smack and Jeffrey then asked Garcia “Why’d you just hit me?” Garcia answered him with a question – “Want me to hit you again?”
The altercation caught the attention of Jeffrey’s parents who then came out of their house. They asked Jeffrey to go into their house.
Garcia yelled “shame on you” to the parents as she retreated from the scene.
The SAPD is investigating the incident and Garcia has already been charged with assault.
Garcia told a news reporter that she “felt threatened and scared.”
Jeffrey’s mother told a reporter that she asked Jeffrey to ride on the sidewalk because he was almost hit by a car in the past and she believes that it’s safer. She also said that this was not their first encounter with Garcia and that she needs help before she strikes again.
On Oct. 11, 2010, then California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger approved Senate Bill 734, which amended the Vehicle Code to permit the operation of bicycles on any sidewalk, any bicycle path within a highway, or along any crosswalk or bicycle path crossing, where the operation is not otherwise prohibited by local law.
The City of Santa Ana also allows bicyclists to travel along most city sidewalks. Bicycles are only banned along sidewalks in the business district and civic center-area. Santa Ana Bike riders are also advised to yield the right of way to pedestrians.
The City of Santa Ana has posted these bicycle rider rules on the city’s website:
- Keep your bicycle in good mechanical condition (tires, chain, brakes).
- Obey all traffic rules and signs – always give proper hand signals.
- Walk your bike across busy intersections.
- Always ride with the traffic – as close as practicable to the right side of the road.
- Be sure the roadway is clear before entering.
- Always ride single file and watch for opening car doors.
- Most bicycles are built to carry one person – YOU, and you alone.
- If you must ride your bike at night, be sure your headlight and reflectors are in good condition.
- Select the safest route to your destination and use it. Avoid busy streets and intersections.
- Yield right of way to pedestrians.
- Always wear a bicycle helmet.
