Summer firecracker attack on a homeless Fort Bragg woman goes viral in 2025 [Updated]
On Saturday, several people I know shared a video showing a Fort Bragg woman getting out of her car and throwing a firecracker under the cart of a homeless woman. The woman screams when the projectile flames up, and then it goes out as the woman drives off.
I was horrified and I was worried about what people might do about this. I have seen this movie before as a lifelong player in small and medium-sized town journalism.
People were making threats against the woman. I jumped in to say let the cops handle it. Some research shows the video has been around since at least July. The video comes with the name of a fairly well-known local woman who appears to be the one who did this. But is it real? Where and when exactly did this happen? Virtual reality is not reality but it can get there really fast. Somehow it took till 2025 for it to go viral and create strong reactions everywhere. Some were furious. Others thought it was a joke.
Suggesting vigilante action is just as bad as endorsing street crime. I contacted Police Chief Neil Cervenka. He sent it over to the sergeant on duty. I find the idea of throwing fire at another person way beyond the scope of what is permissible in a civilized society. I also don’t think journalists should not try to turn the wheels of justice, but let them work, at least at first..
The rule of law is what makes our society human, fair and compassionate. It is challenged more than ever in 2025 but we MUST uphold it.
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Original Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=460289493285879
STORY UPDATE — 01/08/2025
On January 4, 2025 a member of the local media contacted The Fort Bragg Police Department regarding a video circulating on social media. The video depicted unknown subjects throwing a lit explosive device at a member of the unhoused community within the City of Fort Bragg. Screaming could be heard in the video after the firework detonated inside the tent.
Officers immediately initiated an investigation into the matter. Officers reviewed the video and interviewed persons who were able to provide further information regarding the origin of the video.
Through their investigation, officers were able to identify the location the video was filmed, the victim, and a potential suspect. Furthermore, officers were able to determine that this incident was initially unreported by the victim, but occurred within the City of Fort Bragg in July of 2024.
On January 5, 2025, officers located and obtained statements from the victim and a suspect. The elderly victim confirmed the incident occurred and other details.
On January 6, 2025, officers served warrants on a social media account and at a residence associated with the suspect in the county of Mendocino.
Officers are currently gathering digital evidence from the social media platform and the cell phone recovered at the residence, which may determine additional suspects wanted in connection with this crime.
Chief Neil Cervenka said, “The act in the video committed against a member of our community is deplorable. The Fort Bragg Police Department is dedicated to protecting all of our community members, especially those who are most vulnerable. This wasn’t a joke or a prank. It was an assault with an explosive device.”
The Fort Bragg Police Department will be seeking prosecution for the crime depicted in the video and are actively seeking any information pertaining to the incident. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Beak with the Fort Bragg Police Department at (707)964-2800 ext. 224 or email rbeak@fortbragg.com. This information is being released by Sergeant Jon McLaughlin. For media inquiries, please reach out to him directly at jmclaughlin@fortbragg.com.
