A group of teenagers riding e-bikes is under investigation after a brutal sidewalk assault on a resident in Hermosa Beach that was captured on surveillance video and widely shared online.
Police say a man in his 50s was attacked Friday night by a pack of youths on e-bikes. The video shows the group surrounding him, knocking him to the ground and repeatedly punching and kicking him as he clutches a pizza box. As the group runs off, one teen can be heard yelling, “He’s dead,” before they flee the scene.
The victim was taken to a hospital and has since been released. He met with detectives on Monday to help piece together what happened, according to the Hermosa Beach Police Department.
Police: Assault Followed Brief Encounter, Not a Planned Target
Officers responded shortly after 8 p.m. following reports of an attack along a residential sidewalk not far from the Hermosa Beach Pier. While police have not publicly released the exact location, local TV coverage placed the incident near the 11th Court alleyway.
Investigators say the confrontation began after the resident walked slightly past his destination to engage with the group of teens. Based on the initial investigation, police do not believe the assault was premeditated or that the victim was specifically targeted beforehand.
A witness told TV reporters he saw the teens gathering just minutes earlier and believed they were looking for someone to attack. The witness called 911 after realizing one unarmed man was being swarmed by multiple riders.
Investigators Ask Parents and Witnesses to Come Forward
Hermosa Beach detectives say they have already spoken with the parent of one juvenile who came forward after seeing the viral video online. They are now urging other families and witnesses to do the same.
Parents who recognize their children in the footage or anyone with additional video or information is asked to contact Det. DiGenova at ndigenova@hermosabeach.gov or through official channels listed by the Hermosa Beach Police Department.
Police have not disclosed the victim’s name or detailed condition beyond confirming that he has been released from the hospital.
Pattern of E-Bike Trouble at the Beach
The violent incident is the latest in a string of complaints about e-bike-riding teens in Hermosa Beach and neighboring coastal cities, including Manhattan Beach, El Segundo and Redondo Beach.
Recent cases have involved:
- Teens setting off fireworks on the Hermosa Beach Pier
- Fireworks tossed from e-bikes in nearby communities
- Riders racing at unsafe speeds along the Strand
- Reports of harassment and assaults on residents
Last year, fireworks were ignited on the crowded pier, sending explosions dangerously close to pedestrians and prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement.
Tougher E-Bike Rules – and Real Consequences
In response to mounting concerns, Hermosa Beach adopted an emergency e-bike ordinance in June 2024. The rules, enforced by the City Council and the City of Hermosa Beach, aim to rein in unsafe and reckless riding by young riders.
Key provisions include:
- Mandatory helmets for e-bike riders under 18
- A ban on e-bikes along the Greenbelt trail
- Prohibitions on alcohol or drug use while riding
- Authority for police to issue citations and impound bikes
Violators face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000. Riders under 18 can have their e-bikes confiscated. As of mid-November, Hermosa Beach police say they have issued around 40 citations and impounded 19 e-bikes since the ordinance took effect.
Despite those efforts, the latest attack underscores how quickly groups of teens on e-bikes can turn a quiet beachfront neighborhood into a danger zone.
Community Demands Accountability
The video of the assault has fueled anger and anxiety among residents who worry that teens on e-bikes feel untouchable. Many locals are pressing for:
- Faster investigations and public updates
- Stronger collaboration between schools, parents and police
- Expanded patrols and enforcement in known problem areas
Police emphasize that they are actively investigating and that parents who come forward will play a crucial role in resolving the case. For now, the community is left grappling with disturbing footage of an apparently random group assault — and renewed questions about how to keep shared public spaces safe as e-bikes surge in popularity.
