This week, a video showed a group of teenage e-bike riders beating a man near the Hermosa Beach Pier until one of them yelled “He’s dead, he’s dead,” sparking a wave of anger in the close-knit coastal community.
On Wednesday, the Hermosa Beach Police Department said it had identified the five teenagers involved in the attack. Their ages range from 13 to 15 years old. Two people accused of being the main perpetrators have been arrested.
The two teens were booked at the city jail on suspicion of felony assault and will be transported to juvenile jail. Police said their case will be filed with the Juvenile Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Police said the gang attacked a 56-year-old resident near 11th Court and Beach Boulevard around 8 p.m. Friday. Authorities said the resident had walked past his intended destination and came into contact with the youths, but did not appear to be targeted.
Surveillance video shows the teens surrounding the man, knocking him to the ground and then punching and kicking him repeatedly.
Police received a 911 call about the assault and the victim was taken to the hospital. He was released from the hospital and interviewed by officials on Monday. There is no information yet on his condition or injuries.
In the days following the attack, police spoke with parents of the teenagers involved and received numerous live calls, emails and videos submitted by the community as calls for accountability grew.
“We are aware that the video circulating is disturbing,” the department said in a statement Wednesday. “As with all cases, we take this matter seriously and appreciate the community’s patience as we continue to work this case. We sincerely thank those who trusted the entire process and allowed our team to remain focused on the facts and evidence.”
The attack is the latest in a series of incidents involving teenagers riding e-bikes in South Bay communities including Manhattan Beach, El Segundo and Redondo Beach. Teenagers on e-bikes are also accused of setting off fireworks on the busy Hermosa Beach Pier and running through the streets attacking residents.
The City of Hermosa Beach enacted an emergency ordinance in June 2024 aimed at curbing dangerous behavior on motorized bicycles. The ordinance requires minors to wear helmets when riding e-bikes, prohibits riding e-bikes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and bans e-bikes on Greenbelt trails. Teenagers who violate the ordinance may have their e-bikes impounded.
As of Nov. 13, the Police Department has issued 40 e-bike citations this year and has impounded 19 e-bikes since the ordinance was passed.
Anyone with additional information about the recent attacks is asked to contact the Hermosa Beach Police Department at (310) 318-0360.
