An elderly woman in Florida pulled a stunt that will make your blood boil.
The incident left a mother fearing for her children’s safety.
And a Florida woman just crossed a shocking line that landed her behind bars.
Florida woman arrested after bear mace incident with children
The Sunshine State has developed a reputation for outlandish news stories over the years.
But this latest incident involving an 81-year-old woman and young children playing outside their home has even seasoned Florida observers shaking their heads.
Ada Anderson, 81, was arrested on May 30 and charged with three counts of battery after allegedly spraying bear mace at her neighbor and two young children as they played with bubbles in their driveway in Ocala, Marion County.
Police responded to the home on Pine Court Drive after the incident was reported by April Morant, who was outside with her daughters, aged three and six, when Anderson allegedly unleashed the chemical spray on them.
"I look at my peripheral view, she’s at the gate with what I thought at first, I thought it was a gun, so I was startled…but it was like bear mace," Morant told Fox 35.
The terrified mother described the frightening moment, saying, "A big cloud came, so I rushed the kids in like, ‘go in the house, go in the house,’ and so then I called the police on her — and then I found out she did it twice, and I didn’t even know it was twice until my daughter let the officer know."
Bear mace is no small matter when used on humans
Bear mace contains a high concentration of oleoresin capsicum, the same chemical compound found in chili peppers.
When sprayed, it causes irritation to the eyes, nose, and respiratory system, resulting in temporary discomfort and disorientation.
What makes this incident particularly alarming is that the spray was allegedly directed at young children who were simply playing with bubbles in their own driveway.
Anderson’s porch is approximately 40 feet from the fence where the incident occurred.
When questioned by authorities, Anderson claimed that Morant and her children had been running around near the fence and yelled at her, which she used as justification for spraying them with bear mace.
Morant provided police with a photo of Anderson holding what appeared to be bear mace on her porch.
Officers also noted that evidence of the chemical spray was still visible on Morant’s fence when they arrived at the scene.
Not Anderson’s first run-in with the law
This wasn’t the first time Anderson has had trouble with the law.
According to Fox 35, Anderson had previously been arrested for aggravated assault with a weapon and stalking.
That incident reportedly also involved a neighbor, suggesting a pattern of concerning behavior.
Morant told reporters that Anderson has been harassing her for months and has repeatedly used racial slurs against her and her children during their encounters.
"Since day one. I have recordings of her," Morant stated to Channel 9 Eyewitness News.
Neighbor disputes the claims
Not everyone in the neighborhood agrees with Morant’s account of the situation.
Another resident, Gary Webber, told Channel 9 Eyewitness News that both sides have contributed to the ongoing problems, claiming the Morant family has also harassed Anderson.
Channel 9 attempted to get Anderson’s side of the story but received no response.
Anderson has since been released from jail on bond.
Morant expressed disappointment that the charges weren’t more serious, particularly given the involvement of young children and the alleged use of racial slurs.
"Just battery but nothing on the kids or maybe a hate crime because you were saying all this stuff while you were spraying this stuff," Morant said.
Mother now seeking safer living situation
The incident has left Morant feeling unsafe in her own home. She’s planning to get a restraining order against Anderson and is raising money online to relocate her family.
"I just don’t feel safe, and I don’t feel like the police are taking this seriously, so I would like them to take it," Morant explained.
This disturbing case highlights the dangers that can arise from neighborhood disputes when they escalate beyond verbal disagreements into potentially harmful actions.
The legal system will now determine what consequences Anderson will face for her alleged actions against the mother and her young children.
