Florida Woman Accused of Chasing Teen on E-Bike with SUV Along Pedestrian Path

A 65-year-old woman from Palm Coast, Florida, has been arrested after allegedly using her SUV to chase a teenager riding an electric bike along a trail meant for pedestrians and cyclists. Authorities say the incident could have ended in tragedy.

Terrifying Ride Ends with Arrest in Palm Coast

On June 10, Flagler County deputies arrested Julia Kalthof, charging her with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and reckless driving after she reportedly pursued a 14-year-old boy on the Pine Lake Path — a multi-use trail not meant for vehicles.

Teen Says He Was Terrified by the SUV Behind Him

The teenager, Gaige Ellis, said he was riding his e-bike when he noticed headlights approaching from behind — something that doesn’t belong on the path. “It was really scary because I look back at the headlights and, like, that's not supposed to be there,” he told reporters.

According to authorities, a witness driving by noticed the SUV chasing the boy and deliberately blocked the vehicle to help the teen get away. “I swerved over and onto the road, and I waved someone down,” Ellis said. “Another witness had stayed and helped me out. That was the witness who cut her off and let me go.”

Gaige left the scene before deputies arrived, but his parents learned what happened the next day and reported it to law enforcement.

Driver Claims Teen Was Going Too Fast

Kalthof admitted to deputies that she was angry about the teen’s speed on the path and wanted to speak to his parents. However, the teen said Kalthof screamed at him, cut him off with her SUV, and nearly hit him.

The incident, which could have ended much worse, left the victim’s mother furious. “There’s no way on God’s green earth that’s OK,” said Christina Ellis.

Charges Filed, Sheriff Condemns Behavior

Kalthof was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and later released on a $3,000 bond. She was also issued a traffic citation for driving on the trail.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly condemned her actions, saying, “Her reckless and aggressive behavior created a dangerous situation. She could have seriously hurt or killed not only the child she was chasing, but anyone else using that path.”

As for Gaige, he says he’s stepping away from biking — at least for now. “I’m just trying to get over the fear of her being out there,” he said.

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