In a shocking incident in Ocala, Florida, an 81-year-old woman, Ada Anderson, is facing criminal charges after allegedly spraying a mother and her two young children with bear spray while yelling racial slurs. Anderson has been charged with three counts of battery following the incident that occurred on Friday, where the mother and her children were outside playing with bubbles.
The Disturbing Incident
According to a probable cause affidavit, the mother and her children, ages 3 and 6, were enjoying a sunny day outdoors when their neighbor, Anderson, approached the fence between their properties. Anderson allegedly sprayed them with bear mace and used offensive racial language while doing so, yelling “stupid n—s.” The bear spray reportedly affected the victims’ lungs, with the 6-year-old girl telling police that it made her nose hurt. The mother also stated that Anderson had used racial slurs in the past.
The mother had previously recorded a video earlier in the day showing Anderson holding the bear spray, and the video seemed to capture Anderson yelling more racial slurs, including something like “neighborhood … f—ing n—.” It was also noted that Anderson is white, while the victims are Black.
Evidence and Police Investigation
When law enforcement arrived, they examined the area and found remnants of bear spray on the fence, which caused irritation to the deputies’ noses and throats. Despite this evidence, Anderson told the authorities that the victims were yelling at her and running up and down the fence, which led her to spray the mace from her front porch. However, deputies pointed out that the porch was about 40 feet away from the fence, making it highly unlikely that the spray didn’t reach the victims.
Anderson’s Arrest and Prior Legal History
Anderson was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail, where she later posted a $6,000 bond. She was appointed a public defender, and her next court appearance is scheduled for July 1. This is not the first time Anderson has faced legal trouble; she was previously arrested for aggravated assault in 2019 and stalking in 2017. The assault charge was related to a neighbor dispute, but prosecutors chose not to pursue the case.
The case has sparked outrage due to the racial nature of the attack and the alleged use of bear spray, a dangerous weapon that can cause serious harm. Ada Anderson’s actions have led to charges of battery, and her upcoming court date will determine the next steps in her legal proceedings. The incident serves as a reminder of the disturbing consequences of racial hatred and violence in communities.
