A man has been arrested following the assault of a San Francisco sandwich shop owner, according to the San Francisco Police Department. Peterson Harter, owner of Sandy’s, alleged that he was punched in the face outside his store while confronting a man urinating on the trash cans.
The incident occurred on July 19, leaving Harter with visible injuries including a black eye and a cut on his forehead. Harter’s shop, which serves New Orleans-inspired fare, is located at 1457 Haight St.
The San Francisco Police Department identified 30-year-old Irvin Lara Rivera as the suspect in the case. Rivera was spotted and arrested on Saturday in the area of 18th Street and San Carlos Street. He was charged with battery causing serious injuries and was also apprehended on two existing arrest warrants.
In an interview following the assault, Harter expressed that he did not wish for the assailant to serve jail time. Instead, he suggested that community service, which could contribute positively to the community, would be a more appropriate punishment. This incident illustrates the importance of maintaining public safety in communities and the police’s commitment to ensuring justice is served.