SIMI VALLEY, CA – A street vendor in Simi Valley experienced a shocking assault allegedly fueled by a tirade of racist remarks. The April 14 incident involved Julie Christine Sanchez, 56, who now faces a battery charge after reportedly attacking a pregnant vendor with her own cart, according to police.
Authorities arrived at the scene near Torrance Street and Brandon Avenue around 4:30 p.m. after receiving reports of the altercation. Witnesses claimed that Sanchez while walking her dog, confronted the vendor regarding operating permits and food safety.
The confrontation escalated when Sanchez obstructed the vendor’s path, sparking a heated verbal exchange. During this tumultuous encounter, Sanchez allegedly shoved the vendor’s cart into her, causing her to fall and suffer minor injuries, the police reported.
A portion of the harrowing incident was captured on video, which circulated widely. In the video, Sanchez can be heard telling the vendor, “I told you not to come down this street anymore and I f—ing meant it,” while accusing her of lowering property values and demanding she “speak English.”
Bystanders reportedly stepped in to defuse the situation and prevent further violence from occurring.
Identified only as Mary, the vendor has retained legal representation from attorney Christian Contreras, who has urged the authorities to pursue hate crime charges against Sanchez. A civil rights lawsuit has also been filed as part of their legal strategy.
Contreras, alongside attorney Humberto Guizar, is committed to ensuring justice for their client. “This woman needs to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Guizar emphasized.
To support Mary during this challenging time, Contreras launched a GoFundMe campaign which has successfully raised over $20,000, covering medical and other expenses.
In a public statement, Contreras highlighted the community’s role in rallying around Mary, stating, “No one should have to endure such violence, especially a pregnant woman just trying to make ends meet.”
Despite the traumatic events, Mary and her legal team continue to seek justice through both criminal and civil avenues, ensuring that such actions are publicly condemned and legally addressed.