Alleged suspect Irvin Rivera was finally charged in connection to the assault on Haight St shop owner Peterson Harter, according to the SF District Attorney's Office. Rivera is charged with assault by force likely to produce great bodily injury, with an additional allegation of great bodily injury. The charges stem from a July 19, 2023 incident, which has left the community disturbed and demanding justice.
Harter, the owner of the popular New Orleans-inspired sandwich shop called Sandy's, had been a victim of a brazen act of violence when he was assaulted after confronting a street urinator, as reported by Hoodline. The incident took place just three months after Sandy's grand opening on Haight Street. Harter revealed the unsettling encounter in an Instagram post, openly questioned the city's current state, and called for action from local authorities.
Owner Peterson Harter opened his first sandwich shop Sandy’s in the Haight just 3 months ago. He said that he was punched in the face, and aired his frustrations on IG shortly after.
— Betty Yu (@bett_yu) July 20, 2023
His caption: “This sh** needs to end. @gavinnewsom @londonbreed @DeanPreston what’s the plan?” pic.twitter.com/9P9koy1Sal
The alleged attacker, Rivera, had fled the scene following the assault, leaving Harter injured and helpless. Thankfully, he was arrested by the San Francisco Police Department on July 29, 2023, as confirmed by the SF District Attorney's Office.
The court has set no bail for Rivera, and he remains in custody until his next court appearance on August 15, 2023. If convicted of all charges and allegations, Rivera could be facing seven years in State Prison.
Despite the alarming incident and the subsequent investigation, Harter remains passionately committed to his Haight community and maintaining the vibrant atmosphere of Sandy's.
