A Southern California woman broke down in an emotional video describing being attacked during a chaotic Fourth of July takeover in Newport Beach — warning others to watch out with another bash planned.
In the video, Orange County resident Cassandra Torres recounted the terrifying experience on Saturday, when a massive crowd descended on the area, resulting in hundreds of arrests.
Through tears, Torres recalled riding her e-bike with friends when they became separate due to the swelling crowd.
She recalled seeing a large group of kids before she was knocked off her bike and onto the ground and fell unconscious.
Torres said she hit the ground so hard she was knocked unconscious and suffered a concussion.
When she finally came to, she described a “swarm of people” surrounding her that called 911.
“Honestly, grateful for all those people,” she explained, wiping tears from her face.
Torres said she heard one witness say that “she was pushed off” her bike.
She was taken to the hospital with a neck brace and treated for injuries to her head and neck, as well as multiple cuts all over her body.
“I’ve never seen a hospital that busy in my life,” Torres told KTLA. “It was supposed to be a safe, fun day, and it turned into a nightmare.”
She admitted she’s been “feeling off” ever since, so her friends suggested she set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical bills.
“The suddenness and violence of what happened has stayed with her, and processing the emotional weight of it all has made it hard to even focus on healing,” a message on the page read.
In another video she posted on Instagram, Torres said she learned another “Beach Bash” takeover is planned at Huntington Beach, warning people to be careful if they are planning to visit.
Huntington Beach officials said they are aware of the planned takeover and have warned organizers they “have no intention of allowing” it to take place.
Authorities said officers are coordinating with regional law enforcement partners and will be prepared.
“Similar events elsewhere have resulted in violence, vandalism, assaults, thefts, and other criminal activity,” the Huntington Beach Police Department said.
“The HBPD Special Investigations Bureau have already identified individuals believed to be involved in organizing and promoting this event, and those investigations are ongoing.
“Anyone who organizes, promotes, encourages, or participates in criminal activity associated with a takeover event may be arrested and prosecuted.”
More than 400 people were arrested following the takeover at Newport Beach. Youths and minors made up the majority of those taken into custody, and nearly half of those arrested were from out of state.
