A violent late-night robbery near San Francisco’s iconic waterfront has led to criminal charges against seven men, prosecutors confirmed Friday.
The disturbing incident unfolded shortly before 10 p.m. on February 21 near the parking garage at Pier 39 — one of the city’s busiest tourist destinations.
What Happened Near Pier 39?
According to prosecutors, officers arrived at the scene to find a man unconscious and bleeding from the mouth. The victim had been walking with his fiancée and their infant child when the attack allegedly occurred.
Authorities say the group arrived in a Chevrolet Tahoe, exited the vehicle, and approached the family.
One suspect, identified as 23-year-old Matthew Aval Taylor, allegedly extended his hand as if to shake hands with the victim. Instead, prosecutors say he lunged forward and forcibly ripped a gold and diamond necklace from the victim’s neck.
When the victim attempted to retrieve his necklace, prosecutors allege that multiple men surrounded him and began repeatedly punching and kicking him. The attack reportedly continued even after the victim fell unconscious.
Investigators further allege that the driver of the vehicle exited the SUV and kicked the victim in the head while he was motionless on the ground.
Fiancée Fights Back
In a desperate attempt to stop the assault, the victim’s fiancée reportedly deployed pepper spray toward the suspects as they re-entered the Tahoe and fled the scene.
Despite the quick escape, technology helped authorities track the suspects.
How Police Tracked the Suspects
License plate reader cameras detected the vehicle traveling eastbound along Interstate 80 toward Vacaville. The Tahoe was later located in Sacramento, where the California Highway Patrol stopped the vehicle as the group was parking at a residence.
Prosecutors confirmed that the stolen gold and diamond necklace was recovered from inside the vehicle.
Who Has Been Charged?
Along with Taylor, the following individuals have been charged:
- 22-year-old Jatrell Joseph Howard
- 21-year-old Emanuel Barajas-Brenes
- 33-year-old Anthony Lee Henson
- 26-year-old Johnatan Guzman Lopez
- 23-year-old Rootrevion Deontez Gay
- 22-year-old Ayden Jared Guzman
All seven suspects face:
- Second-degree robbery with an allegation of inflicting great bodily injury
- One count of assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury
What Happens Next?
Despite the serious charges, the suspects were released on their own recognizance. They are scheduled to return to court on March 17 to set a preliminary hearing.
The case has raised renewed concerns about public safety in high-traffic tourist areas, especially in locations like Pier 39 that attract families and visitors daily.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident as the legal process moves forward.
