A California mother had to undergo surgery after a 14-year-old boy allegedly struck her in the back with an ax during a parking dispute in the Bay Area.
Mom Jasmine Hernandez, 30, was with her boyfriend Irvin Henriquez, who was attempting to park their car on a Richmond street on Tuesday night.
Neighbors then used a car to block them from parking in front of their house, according to the victim’s sister, Stephanie Hernandez.
Video obtained by KTVU showed the couple’s car parked on the street when another vehicle suddenly pulled up close behind.
Several people from both vehicles can then be seen confronting each other on the sidewalk.
That’s when the neighbors’ 14-year-old son allegedly went into the home, brought out a carpenter’s hammer — a tool with an ax on one end — and struck Jasmine Hernandez in the back.
Stephanie Hernandez also claimed she suffered a bruised lip and a scratch during an attack by the neighbors’ other son and that Henriquez suffered a potential knife slash to his elbow.
Jasmine Hernandez was hospitalized after the attack and required “major surgery,” according to a GoFundMe launched by her sister. Both the mom and Henriquez are currently unable to work while raising their 1-year-old daughter.
The incident has traumatized the family, Stephanie Hernandez told KTVU, as the couple is now looking to relocate somewhere safer.
“I’m still trying to process it,” she said. “Because my sister stopped breathing for a bit in my hands. I just close my eyes and I still hear her screaming, asking me for help.”
Police said the 14-year-old suspect, who was not identified, is being held in juvenile hall and faces charges of attempted murder and felony battery. The teen’s mother is facing charges of accessory and felony assault.
Multiple members of the public expressed shock that such violence could stem from a parking dispute.
“Unfortunately, this is all too common in Richmond. People act like public parking belongs to them, and I’ve seen arguments over it firsthand,” one social media user said.
“If this behavior isn’t addressed, that child is going to be a menace,” the user added.