Introduction to the Incident
A pregnant street vendor is suing a woman arrested for battery for a possible hate crime after being shoved to the ground in Simi Valley.
The interaction caught on video Monday shows Mary, an ice cream vendor who is eight months pregnant, being confronted by who police identified as 56-year-old Julie Sanchez, a Simi Valley resident.
Details of the Confrontation
In the video, Sanchez is heard saying, "America. English," as she instructs Mary to leave while also telling the street vendor, "you bring down my property values." It’s unclear what led up to the interaction before being filmed. Mary said this was the third time the neighbor had yelled at her to stay away, but the first time she had physically confronted her.
Victim’s Account
"I just truly don’t understand," Mary said in Spanish. "The only thing I was saying was to let me go through." Mary has never gone onto the woman’s property and usually pushes her cart in the street, she said. Video footage captured Sanchez pushing the cart into the vendor, knocking her down.
Response from the Community
Neighbors and passersby, who said they have never had any problems with Mary and often buy items from her, came to her aid, waiting with her until police arrived. “When we did the interview, she was upset that the vendor was selling ice cream on her street without a permit, said Sergeant Rick Morton with Simi Valley Police. “Based on what we initially found, we made the arrest for battery.”
Call for Hate Crime Charges
In a press conference Friday, Mary’s attorney called for hate crime charges to be filed in the case. For now, Sanchez is due in court May 14 for the battery charge. NBCLA attempted to speak to Sanchez at her residence, but the 56-year-old declined.
Conclusion
The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about hate crimes and the treatment of street vendors. The case is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether Sanchez will face additional charges. The community has rallied around Mary, showing support for the pregnant vendor who was simply trying to make a living.
FAQs
- Q: What happened to the pregnant street vendor?
- A: The pregnant street vendor, Mary, was shoved to the ground by Julie Sanchez, a Simi Valley resident, after being confronted for selling ice cream on the street.
- Q: What charges is Julie Sanchez facing?
- A: Julie Sanchez is currently facing a battery charge and may potentially face hate crime charges.
- Q: What was the reason for the confrontation according to Julie Sanchez?
- A: According to the police, Julie Sanchez was upset that the vendor was selling ice cream on her street without a permit.
- Q: How has the community responded to the incident?
- A: The community has come out in support of Mary, with neighbors and passersby aiding her after the incident and expressing no prior issues with her presence as a vendor.
