Hermosa Beach, CA – A 66-year-old man, Hart Cardozo, required 14 staples to his head after being ambushed and beaten by a group of teenagers on electric bikes in Hermosa Beach. The incident, which occurred on October 28, saw the teens surround his car, slash his tires, and assault him when he exited the vehicle. Cardozo believes this group is linked to another brutal attack that left a man unconscious just weeks later.
"I had to go to the ER. I have 14 staples in my head. I was in a lot of pain. I was disoriented. It seemed surreal," Cardozo told FOX 11, describing the traumatic experience. He was attacked between 2 and 3 p.m. near Pier and Hermosa, with one teen striking him with an object after an exchange of words.
The October incident follows a similar pattern to an attack on November 21, where another man in his 60s was severely beaten by five or six teenagers on e-bikes. This victim, who was walking home with a pizza box, was punched, kicked, and stomped in an alley near the Hermosa Beach Pier, sustaining a severe concussion. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the assault, with witnesses hearing the teens discuss their intent to "get someone" beforehand.
Hermosa Beach Police Department has confirmed both incidents are under active investigation, though no arrests have been announced for the November 21 attack. The department stated they are reviewing video and photos and urged anyone with information to contact detectives. Community members have expressed significant outrage, calling for accountability from both the perpetrators and their parents.
"Where are the parents? Where are the parents of those children doing that?" questioned South Bay resident Mary Nimptsch, reflecting widespread concern over the escalating violence. Matt Terrill, a witness to the November attack, added, "The parents that buy them the tools that let them commit these crimes — those parents need to be held accountable."
These assaults are part of a growing trend in Hermosa Beach involving groups of teenagers on e-bikes, with previous reports including fireworks being launched into crowds and pedestrians being punched along The Strand. The incidents have sparked a community-wide demand for increased safety measures and a resolution to the ongoing issues.