San Francisco gallerist hoses homeless woman, gets community service
Back in January 2023, Collier Gwin, who runs the Foster Gwin Gallery in San Francisco, was caught on video spraying a homeless woman with a garden hose outside his gallery. A local bakery owner filmed the incident, which stirred up a lot of public outrage, especially considering the city's housing struggles and the chilly weather. In a chat with the San Francisco Chronicle, Gwin said the woman was causing a mess with trash bins and wouldn't leave, but he didn’t apologize, mentioning her aggressive behavior. Although police got involved, no charges were pressed. Instead of a misdemeanor battery charge, Gwin, 71, received 35 hours of community service in July 2023, guided by Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown, who highlighted "restorative justice."
Key facts
- Collier Gwin of Foster Gwin Gallery sprayed a homeless woman with a garden hose.
- The incident was filmed by a local bakery owner and went viral in January 2023.
- Gwin told the San Francisco Chronicle the woman upset rubbish bins and refused to move.
- Gwin refused to apologize, saying the woman was screaming and spitting.
- Police interviewed both parties; neither pressed charges.
- Gwin initially faced a misdemeanor battery charge.
- In July 2023, Gwin was ordered to perform 35 hours of community service.
- Community service will be with Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown at Third Baptist Church in San Francisco.
Entities
Artists
- Collier Gwin
Institutions
- Foster Gwin Gallery
- San Francisco Chronicle
- Third Baptist Church
Locations
- San Francisco
- United States