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81-year-old Florida woman charged for bear mace attack on Black children

The victims’ mother is seeking a restraining order against Anderson after her arrest on racially motivated battery charges.

Ada Anderson at Marion County Jail
The incident happened Friday, May 30, on Pine Court Drive in the Ocala area, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said. The children were not injured.

Overview

  • On May 30 in Ocala, authorities say Ada Anderson, 81, sprayed bear mace and hurled racial slurs at two Black girls and their mother as they played with bubbles in their driveway.
  • Marion County sheriff’s deputies charged Anderson with three counts of second-degree battery, reflecting the alleged racial motivation behind the attack.
  • An affidavit described orange-brown residue on the metal fence and grass, and Anderson told deputies she acted after the children yelled at her.
  • The two girls experienced temporary eye pain and respiratory discomfort but no serious injuries, and their mother is now seeking a restraining order against Anderson.
  • Anderson posted bond following her arrest and previously faced a 2019 charge for aggravated assault with a weapon and stalking involving another neighbor.