We often hear stories about how cities erect fences, spikes, and all sorts of weird benches to prevent the homeless from sleeping in certain areas. A video emerged last Monday where a San Francisco resident is seen doing something horrid. He’s caught using a hose pipe to spray down a woman who was sitting on the sidewalk. She was seemingly minding her own business when the incident occurred and it’s unclear whether she was in fact homeless.
You can see how he goes to town, spraying her for several minutes
The woman screamed, with temperatures rather low and a few days of rain and cold upon residents. He eventually ceased and told her to move down the block. This act was cruel and unnecessary and just goes to show how far humanity has dwindled. So much so that people are pissed off and are calling for the offender’s identity to be revealed.
It was thought that he was associated with the bar behind him, but they have since come forward and denied this
The owner of the bar known as Barbarossa Lounge, Trena Hamidi has since responded. “Barbarossa Lounge has been made aware of a video that has begun to circulate on social media, which was filmed of our small business. Barbarossa is in no way associated with the inhumane actions portrayed in the video. Upon investigation, it appears the actions are those of a neighboring business owner.”
“We are extremely disappointed in the individual’s behavior and in no way support such actions. We have been informed that further formal and media investigation is underway. Barbarossa strives to support our local community and treat all passersby and patrons with equal respect and dignity.”
Police arrived on the scene, but there was little they could do to assist
The police were called and they responded to the scene, but no arrests or citations were made. This sparks a very important question. What can law enforcement actually do? The SFPD described the incident as a possible assault but said. “Neither the man nor the woman sought any further police action.“
Unfortunately, this meant that they could do nothing. For all who wanted the man in cuffs, it was a very disappointing day for justice. They did however call in the Street Crisis Response Team to meet with the woman, but until now, no further statements were released on her whereabouts or the outcome of their meeting.
The man’s identity has since been revealed as Collier Gwin, the owner of Foster-Gwin Gallery
The antique dealer Collier Gwin owns an upscale art gallery and seems pretty nonchalant about the entire ordeal. “I find it hard to apologize when we’ve had no help with the situation. I called the police, there must be 25 calls on record.” This makes one wonder – where do we draw the line? A frustrated store wonder, but a more dire problem at hand.
“I totally understand what an awful thing that is to do, but I also understand what an awful thing it is to leave her on the street.” He continued, reminding us that the actual problem lies with the City of San Francisco, where the housing crisis is dire. She has since been admitted to a local hospital for treatment. Since the airing of the shop owner’s testament, his storefront was since smashed in and has been shut down while police are investigating the incident.
Sources
- “San Francisco Man Sprays Down Homeless Woman… Point Blank With Hose.” TMZ. January 10, 2023
- Instagram. Barbarossa Lounge
- CNN