A man who was caught hosing a homeless woman in California could face a prison sentence for his actions.
Footage of Collier Gwin of Foster-Gwin Art & Antiques in San Francisco went viral last Tuesday (January 10) when the gallery owner was filmed hosing a homeless woman down in the middle of the street.
The video was posted to Twitter and has already amassed a staggering 13 million views since it was posted, with users calling the situation 'inhumane', 'inexcusable' and 'cruel'.
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When interviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle, Gwin explained what events had led up to him spraying the woman with water: “I said you have to move; I cannot clean the street; move down."
He continued: "She starts screaming belligerent things, spitting, yelling at me... At that point she was so out of control... I spray her with the hose and say 'Move, move. I will help you'."
After an investigation into the incident by the San Francisco Police Department, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins issued a statement on the matter today (January 19).
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She posted to Twitter: "Following San Francisco Police Department's investigation & reviewing all the evidence provided, my office has issued an arrest warrant for Collier Gwin. Gwin is charged w/ misdemeanor battery for the alleged intentional & unlawful spraying of water on & around a woman experiencing homelessness on 1/9/23."
Jenkins continued: "The alleged battery of an unhoused member of our community is completely unacceptable. Mr. Gwin will face appropriate consequences for his actions."
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Referencing the public backlash to Gwin's actions, Jenkins also called out those who were carrying out their own form of justice.
"Likewise, the vandalism at Foster Gwin gallery is also completely unacceptable and must stop - two wrongs do not make a right," she concluded.
The San Francisco Police Department also issued a press release on the arrest: "On January 18, 2023, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Gwin was arrested on the 700 block of Montgomery Street for the warrant. Gwin was transported to the San Francisco County Jail where he was booked for the arrest warrant on the charge of battery (242 PC)."
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"While an arrest has been made, this remains an open and active investigation," it concluded.
At first, Gwin had been firm on his stance about the incident.
Upon being asked if he was sorry for his behaviour by The Chronicle, the gallery owner had said: "You know, spraying her’s not the solution, but spraying her was something that woke her up and that calmed her down.
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"So am I sorry? I’m only sorry that... my way of helping her countlessly has gotten nothing done."
But he has since come forward with an apology during a KPIX local radio show, saying: "I'm very, very sorry, I'm not going to defend myself, I'm not going to, because I can't defend that," as per BBC News.
If convicted, Gwin could face the repercussions of six months in jail and a $2,000 (approx £1,622) fine.
Rhiannon Ingle