September 19, 2024: Woman Charged in Pepper Spray Attack on Teens

CARSON, CA- Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that a 36-year-old woman has been charged in connection with a violent pepper spray attack on a group of teenagers at a Taco Bell in Carson, an incident captured on video and widely circulated online.

"While I'm relieved that none of the young victims suffered significant injuries, the nature of this attack is deeply troubling," District Attorney Gascón said. "As adults, we have a responsibility to be role models for our young people, and violence in any form is never an acceptable response. Our office will continue to hold those accountable who endanger the safety and well-being of others in our community, especially our youth."

Nicole Coleman (dob 07/27/1988) of Carson was charged Sept. 18 with one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon. She's also charged with one count of use of tear gas, and three counts of child abuse under conditions other than great bodily harm or death, all misdemeanors. She pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on Sept. 18, Dept. 12 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Compton Branch. Her preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for a future date in Dept. 10 of the same courthouse.

If convicted on all counts, the defendant faces a maximum of sentence of six years in state prison.

On Sept. 11 at 5:42 p.m., Coleman is accused of confronting a group of minors inside a Taco Bell in Carson and pepper spraying three of them. The defendant then allegedly attacked the teenage girls, punching and throwing one victim to the ground.

Case 24CMCF01677 is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.