In a bizarre and dangerous incident, a 65-year-old woman from Florida, Julia Kalthof, was arrested after allegedly chasing a 14-year-old boy down a bike path in her SUV. The incident, which took place on June 7, shocked the local community and raised concerns about reckless driving and aggressive behavior.
The Chilling Pursuit
The confrontation occurred on the Pine Lakes Path, a shared trail for pedestrians and cyclists in Palm Coast, Florida. According to reports, Kalthof became angry after the boy was riding his e-bike too fast. In a dangerous reaction, she allegedly chased him down the path in her vehicle, coming as close as 6 to 10 feet behind him.
A 911 caller, who witnessed the situation, noticed the boy trying to wave down passing cars for help while being pursued by the SUV.
The caller quickly intervened, cutting off Kalthof’s vehicle at an intersection to prevent her from continuing the chase. Meanwhile, the caller’s girlfriend recorded the disturbing event and submitted the video to authorities, helping them with their investigation.
The Arrest and Investigation
Sheriff Rick Staly of Flagler County emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Kalthof’s actions created a dangerous environment for everyone on the path, not just the boy.
“This woman caused a dangerous situation with her reckless and aggressive behavior and could have seriously hurt or killed not just the child she was chasing, but anyone who happened to be walking or biking on that path,” Staly said.
As the investigation unfolded, law enforcement was able to identify Kalthof as the driver. The boy had managed to escape, and his parents later contacted authorities after learning about the incident.
When interviewed, Kalthof allegedly admitted to chasing the boy because she was angry about his fast riding and wanted to speak to his parents about it. She claimed that she only intended to find out where the boy lived.
The Victim’s Account
The victim, in his statement to the police, described how Kalthof screamed at him and nearly struck him with her vehicle. He feared for his life as she aggressively followed him on the bike path.
The boy also provided video footage, which allegedly showed Kalthof’s SUV tailing him closely and driving recklessly. In the video, the boy can be heard saying, “There’s this lady trying to hit me,” as he tried to avoid being run over.
Legal Consequences
On June 10, Kalthof was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and reckless driving. In addition, she received a traffic citation for driving along the multi-use path, which was not meant for vehicles.
Sheriff Staly expressed relief that no one was hurt, stating that if the situation had turned more violent, Kalthof could have faced even more severe charges.
Kalthof was briefly held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility but was later released on a $3,000 bond. The sheriff also praised the bystander who helped stop the chase, stating that their quick thinking likely prevented a more serious outcome.
This alarming incident serves as a reminder of how dangerous aggressive behavior can be, especially when it involves vulnerable individuals like children.
Kalthof’s actions not only endangered the life of a young boy but also put others on the bike path at risk. The case highlights the importance of responsible driving and how even a momentary lapse in judgment can lead to severe consequences.
As the legal process continues, the community remains shaken by the reckless actions of one elderly woman, and authorities are emphasizing the need for better anger management and accountability.
