Two teens from Ventura have been formally charged following an assault on a homeless woman earlier this month, local authorities report. The two youths, aged 13 and 14, are facing serious charges after they are said to have attacked a 66-year-old woman sleeping on the streets. According to the Ventura County District Attorney's office, the incident took place on June 14 under the Highway 33 underpass at Main Street in Ventura.
The charges against the teenagers include assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, conspiracy to commit a crime, and elder abuse, as stated in an announcement by the Ventura County DA's office. Reportedly, on the night of the assault, a witness managed to capture the brutal attack on video and intervened by yelling at the minors, prompting them to quickly ride away on their electric bikes. This violent episode is just one among multiple disturbances reported that evening involving teenage bikers throughout the city.
Both suspects were apprehended by Ventura police on June 20, with the assault video playing a critical part in the charges laid against them. The next hearing for the juveniles is scheduled for July 10, 2024, at the Ventura County Juvenile Courthouse. Following the DA's office report, the cases have been referred to the Ventura County Probation Agency, which is expected to present a sentencing recommendation.
The teens currently remain detained at the Juvenile Facilities in Oxnard. In the interim, Ventura police continue to investigate the circumstances of that evening, looking into various other incidents that may be connected to the group of teens in question. Additional charges are possible, according to a statement made by the district attorney's office, as this case continues to unfold.
