Southern California woman, 36, faces 6 years in Taco Bell pepper spray attack

A 36-year-old woman from Carson is facing up to six years in state prison for pepper spraying three teens inside a Taco Bell and physically attacking one of them earlier this month, officials announced Thursday.

The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. at a Carson Taco Bell restaurant when the woman, identified as Nicole Coleman, reportedly confronted a group of minors, pepper spraying three of them and throwing another to the ground after punching them, a news release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office stated.

“While I’m relieved that none of the young victims suffered significant injuries, the nature of this attack is deeply troubling,” District Attorney George 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.”

The 36-year-old, who has pleaded not guilty, has been charged with a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon, a count of use of tear gas and three counts of child abuse under conditions other than great bodily harm or death.

“Our office will continue to hold those accountable who endanger the safety and well-being of others in our community, especially our youth,” Gascón added.

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