There are certainly better ways to get ahead, but two men who violently assaulted Ray Alvarez, owner of East Village institution Ray’s Candy Store, were indicted March 1st and donations continue to pour into a Go Fund Me page for his benefit.
As a result of the arrest after what police said was a one night robbery spree, Luis Peroza, 39, and Gerald Barth, 55, both face charges of assault in the first degree, two counts of robbery in the first degree, two counts of attempted robbery in the first degree, one count of robbery in the second degree, one count of assault in the second degree and one count of attempted robbery in the Second Degree.
The attack at the East Village fast food and candy store occurred around 3 am on January 31, 2023 as 90-year-old Ray Alvarez was taking a short break and was standing in front of his Avenue A store. Police said Peroza walked up to him and asked him to purchase drinks from the container he was carrying. When Alvarez declined, Peroza struck Alvarez in the head with an unknown weapon. Alvarez suffered a broken jaw, fractured facial bones, a black eye and facial lacerations.
Police charged the attackers didn’t stop there: they assaulted two other victims before the night was over.
Half an hour later, Peroza and Barth accosted a 33-year-old man leaving a deli on Avenue C and demanded money from him. When he refused, Peroza struck his face, causing a deep laceration and breaking his orbital bone, according to prosecutors.
Barth then asked a 51-year-old man on Avenue B for a cigarette. He refused to give them one and prosecutors charged Peroza then struck him repeatedly in the head with an unknown object and stole his cell phone. The man suffered cuts to the face and fractured facial bones. One of his teeth was also knocked out.
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg announced the indictments, which are being prosecuted by Assistant D.A. Caroline Rowley.
“Ray’s Candy Store is a beloved staple in the East Village community, and the attack on its owner is deeply upsetting to everyone who has ever visited this local institution. In addition to this alleged assault, these defendants are also charged with attacking two other strangers on the street within mere hours,” said Bragg. “My office continues to zero in on violence every day because New Yorkers deserve to feel safe in their workplace or walking around their neighborhood without the fear of being attacked.”
A GoFundMe page started by Asghar Ghahramarn last fall when he was in danger of losing the tiny shop due to bills that piled up during the COVID shut downs, picked up momentum after news coverage of the attack in late Januarly.
In her post inviting people to contribute for Ray’s 90th birthday last fall, Asghar Ghahraman, the orginator of the Go Fund Me page had written: “People from all walks of life have stepped up to Ray’s worn-in blue counter over the years: from the homeless to Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner, from college students in varying states of inebriation to financiers and titans of industry, from Bruce Willis and Madonna to Anthony Bourdain and Harley Flanagan, from Action Bronson to members of the Knicks and Nets, from hip-hop legends to rock stars, from taxi drivers and cops to firefighters and first responders, from local artists to club kids, from punks to skateboarders, from longtime neighbors to visitors from dozens of countries, from seasoned foodies to people just looking to try an egg cream for the first time.
Interest in the Go Fund Me page reignited after news of the attack and donastions are still pouring in. It’s now raised $65,000 toward a goal of $90,000.
“Those lousy thugs punching a 90-year old good man. Despicable. Ray, hope you continue to recover and feel better,” wrote Patrick Hoffman, who kicked in $20 last week.
Long ago fans are also kicking in. Diane Linderman who kicked in $25 recently commented, “Lived on E. 7th St. and E. 3rd St. In the 80s and Ray’s was definitely the center of the neighborhood. Best egg creams in the world, now and always. Sending love and speedy recovery Ray. Keep the faith!”