Photos by Lola Sáenz
The post now includes a photo that the NYPD provided of the suspect (see below) ... Updated 2/3: Ray went to the hospital — details here.
Updated 2/4: The 9th Precinct has arrested the suspect in this attack.
Ray's 90th birthday crowdfunding campaign continues here.
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Word is circulating about an assault outside Ray's Candy Store that left Ray Alvarez, the shop's 90-year-old proprietor, with a black eye and a gash on his temple.
Here's what we've been told via several sources: Early Tuesday on the overnight shift, Ray and his employee Gabe walked outside the shop at 113 Avenue A around 3 a.m. for some fresh air. At that point, two men — apparently known to regulars along Avenue A — approached Ray and Gabe here just north of Seventh Street.
The men were apparently trying to sell seltzer water. After declining the offer, the men angrily left. One of the men quickly returned, produced a metal pipe with a ball attached to the end, and struck the pair, hitting Gabe in the chest and Ray across the left side of his face. The man then ran off.
The blow left Ray, who fell to the ground bleeding, with a black eye and facial wounds... 
So far, Ray has not sought any medical treatment and continues to work. Last night, he officially filed a report with the 9th Precinct. Two officers stopped by Ray's to take his statement and begin an investigation.
Ray, who turned 90 last month, opened the shop in 1974. We can't recall anything like this happening to him before... [Updated: See comments — I forgot about the time Marlene (aka Hot Dog) slammed the sidewalk gates on Ray's head.]
The NYPD released this image of the suspect... the police report also lists the weapon as "a belt that had a heavy rock affixed to the end" ...
Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online. All calls are strictly confidential.
VILE!! Absolutely VILE! Takes a monster to assault another person for no reason but especially VILE when u assault a 90 year old person!
ReplyDeleteNo description of the assailants?
ReplyDeleteSheet! How could someone do that???
ReplyDeleteThat’s so sad you have to be really heartless to hit a 90 yr old person hope he gets caught and gets a long sentence 🙏
ReplyDeleteI hope they catch those lowlifes. Lock them up for as long as the law allows. Ray is a wonderful man he made egg creams for me when my dad took me there years ago. He has been serving the community forever and everybody loves him. There should be very harsh penalties for anyone who assaults a senior citizen. It is outrageous.
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry Ray and Gabe get better soon. Folks are outraged. The police need to get these violent criminals off the streets and prosecute these evil people to the fullest extent on the law.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like junkies.
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry This happened to you Ray and Gabe , praying the police catch these jerks. Praying for you Ray we love you so much praying you get better soon.
ReplyDeleteThere have been published reports of two men – believed to be in their late teens — on scooters who targeted elderly women last month, one on 34th Street and 8th Avenue and the other on Sixth Street near Avenue A.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened at Ray's isn't related.
This is from Fox 5:
The second incident happened Saturday, Jan. 14 around 5:15 p.m. in the East Village.
According to police, a 76-year-old woman was walking eastbound on E. 6th St. approaching Avenue A when the two suspects, again on scooters traveling westbound on E. 6th St., approached her and forcibly tried to remove her purse, causing her to fall to the ground.
The suspects were unsuccessful. Both fled on the scooters traveling westbound on E. 6th St. toward 1st Avenue, police say.
The victim sustained an injury to her left eye and swelling to her left wrist and was transported by EMS to NYC Health + Hospitals/ Bellevue in stable condition.
"....We can't recall anything like this happening to him before..." there was that time hotdog dropped that cellar door on his head.
ReplyDeleteI saw Hdog in midtown east the other day
DeleteHot Dog!!! Hot Dog!!!
DeleteWas she wearing a wig?
Whoa hotdog is still alive ?!?!?
DeleteThanks 8:28... I did forget about that... I updated the post to include a link to Bob Arihood's site about the incident.
ReplyDeleteWow , I hope they find who did this to them quickly . That’s pretty heartless .
ReplyDeleteSad just sad, who in their right mind would harm such nice people? a 90 year old man for crying out loud. Well, get better Ray I'm praying for you pal, I reckon it may be time to close up shop at 11pm for now on.
ReplyDeleteThis is tragic and barbaric and hopefully the police will catch the perpetrator. Unfortunately my own personal experience with the local police response to crimes I have reported, albeit petty, has been less than favorable. The police have access to the numerous street cameras installed on practically every corner of the EV to identify individuals that commit crimes, but do they use this information? Hopefully in this case I can be proven wrong and some justice can be done.
ReplyDeleteAnyone here who is a doctor with the expertise, please volunteer to check out Ray on site at his store and after an prelim exam, recommend that he needs to have a follow up exam ASAP at an accredited hospital like NYU.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable. I hope they catch these idiots. What kind of evil runs through a person who would hit a 90 year old.
ReplyDeleteI really worry about my 80 year old mother walking through the neighborhood these days. People have become desperate and ruthless.
2nding the idea that someone should check Ray out if they're a doctor. Wish I was, or knew someone to ask to do it. Surely someone here is or knows one!
ReplyDeleteThat's not an insignificant injury. It's a miracle if he doesn't have an orbital fracture and concussion. An eye specialist too. Even after it heals he'll being seeing "stars" for the rest of his life. Believe me, I know.
ReplyDelete💯
DeleteStreet Justice will prevail. These soda jerks are not very smart to mess with Ray
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteUtterly unacceptable and disgusting!
ReplyDeleteRay is a beloved member of our neighborhood. He is also a NYC treasure. Most everyone either knows him or knows of him. I felt nauseous when reading this post. WTF is wrong with people? Those monsters need to be found, apprehended, and charged with assault and battery in the third degree for elder abuse, which is a class A misdemeanor, and often carries a year in jail, and a $2000 fine. I wouldn't be surprised if they had a criminal background.
I've noticed a enormous shift in our climate here. It used to feel safer around 2010 when I relocated into the EV from Brooklyn, but these very acts of violence have reappeared far too much during this pandemic, and frankly, I am afraid it will become much worse.
I hope Ray, and his friend receive adequate rest, and healing from this horrible trauma that they will probably never forget.
“ With intent to cause physical injury to a person who is sixty-five years of age or older, he or she causes such injury to such person, and the actor is more than ten years younger than such person.” - Assault in the second degree, a class d felony.
DeleteThis is the kind of thing that the community needs to create an uproar over. All of the local politicians, the mayor, the 9th precinct, and the post should all be getting pinged. The idea of criminals targeting 90 year olds and / or small business owners is the last thing these targets and our neighborhood need. I for one will be emailing all of the above.
ReplyDeleteEric Adams' NYC, where a beloved guy like Ray gets beaten up badly outside his own store. I hope whoever did this gets exactly the karma they deserve.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree that Ray SHOULD BE EVALUATED by a qualified doctor, b/c that black eye is nothing to fool around with. The Eye & Ear Infirmary on 14th St. would be one place to start - they have an emergency service there, IIRC.
This is awful news. I hope you heal quickly and these sick f***s are caught.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a ray a thon with some music to raise some cash for a few cctv maybe in the park
ReplyDeleteWhere is all the security footage on ave A?
ReplyDeleteTime for payback !!! Please get them and F em up good !!!!
ReplyDeleteI was there and helped Ray when Hotdog dropped the gate on him. I swear if I was there today I would be buying a baseball bat !
ReplyDeleteHOPE THE LAW DO NOT LET THEM OUT. MUST BE ON CRACK😠🤪.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I am not usually someone for getting revenge but are you fucking kidding me???? Someone has to find these guys. Hope Ray feels better and sending lots of love his way.
ReplyDeleteThis is heartbreaking, what is wrong with people? Poor Ray. Is there anything we can do to help? We love you Ray and these people deserve punishment.
ReplyDeleteI remember when HotDog did that
ReplyDeleteHas anyone contacted the local politicians?
ReplyDeleteIts a shame that the violence plaguing NYC includes hitting an elderly person, whose a pillar to the community for NO REASON.....just because. Ray please seek medical attention (Evaluation) just to be on the safe side based on your injuries. I'm pray all these repeat offenders get locked up and never see the light day again.
ReplyDeleteWe need a clearer photo of the asshole who attacked Ray. I live in the neighborhood and we no longer relying on useless PD to take care of things.
ReplyDeletewe love ray!!! as others have said - please, ray get yourself a medical checkup - nyu hospital is close by!!
ReplyDelete@1:07- The PD are LEAVING in droves. Their hands are tied due to the woke joke bail laws. Criminals haver no fear of going to jail and staying there. In the old days they the PD could throw this sick bastard off the roof of a tenement and be done with it.
ReplyDeleteJust stop. Fox News talking points.
DeleteRay, you are in our thoughts and prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery. Just awful. Outrageous. Please catch the assailant.
ReplyDeleteCome on everyone, eyes out. This creep is still in the neighborhood,please turn him in if you see him, no vigilantes,just notify the police.
ReplyDeletePraying for Ray and Gabe, I hope they nail these a’holes!
ReplyDeleteI’m cruising around on the bike today looking for the perps, and hope someone find them soon. Since this is now the top news on the NY Post, NY Daily News and international media has picked up the story, it would be a good time for DA Bragg to throw the book at these criminals after the NYPD quickly apprehends them. And after then do the same with all violent criminals. This was a vicious assault and head injuries are no joke. And everyone go get an egg cream or a bite to eat at Rays today and show your support.
ReplyDeleteDA Bragg throw the book? I don't think so.
DeleteOh no. WTF. That's despicable. Sending much love and wishes for quick healing to Ray and Gabe!
ReplyDeleteLast month Ray gave me a free chocolate shake for no reason. He just wouldn't take my money. Dude is lovely, and as everyone else has said, a pillar of the community.
While Ray tries to recuperate and since EV mentioned it, Mayor Adams and the NYC Council has to do something right now about all these unlicensed motor scooters that are being used for every crime on the books. Muggings, gold chain/phone/purse snatching, ride by shootings and even rapes are committed with ease while these thugs take advantage of the city's utter negligence to regulate these vehicles. And cops need to be walking beats again instead of babysitting nite clubs and public events involving our feckless officials.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see this getting the press it getting. Hopefully the perps are caught soon and this a wake up to everyone about the current state of policing and our legal system. It's so sad this stuff seems to be getting worse by the week.
ReplyDeleteXTC: Our NYPD sources tell us cops are "leaving in droves" because of the mayor's demand that they get mystery "covid" shots or be fired. The smart ones simply QUIT.
ReplyDeleteWe are told that normally, thousands apply to become cops, but that last year, only 500 applied. Their manpower is at an all-time LOW.
Today, RAY was flooded with media, most likely after they saw the EV GRIEVE post (I even told them so!) - three of them asked me the SAME questions about rising crime and whether the mayor is doing "a good job". I told them that NO mayor does a "good job" - they ALL work for the banksters and real estate vultures that run the city.
As for Ray, his injuries look WORSE in person than they do in your shots here, but he told me he is not dizzy and has no headache, just a sore jaw, so maybe it's all external. STILL, he really should at least get a look-see by a doctor, but we doesn't want to.
I SWEAR: if that had happened earlier in the evening with Ray's friends around, including me, the outcome for that cowardly perp would have been very different.....
shaking with rage i have no words just pure anger at these spinless ghouls You don't fuck with Ray man like ever for any reason these fucking weasels arrrrg
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely wretched.
ReplyDeleteIt's coming through loud and clear that Ray doesn't want to be evaluated, but perhaps he would permit a regular client who's an EMT or nurse to at least dress his wound...
I was horrified when I read the NY Post online with its main headline regarding the attack. And now on EV Grieve, it just highlights what a special person he is and what his presence means to our neighborhood. I hope CCTV and NYPD capture those scumbags who committed this atrocious crime and are faced with the same brutality in jail and in court.
ReplyDeleteRay is a dear man. I've patronized his shop for years as someone who lives nearby. I hope he feels better and has access to medical treatment for his injuries.
Do you want to become the most hated person in the East Village? Because this is how you become the most hated person in the East Village. Dreadful, disheartening news, but I'm happy to see Ray is on his feet and I'm buoyed by the support in this thread and that I’ve seen online. If someone can convince him to get checked out, you'd be a hero.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the point of praise on "hot dog"? She almost killed Ray. I personally saw her hit a girl in the face with a brick for no reason. She is/was mentally ill and violent. As for the "street justice will get them" no , no it will not that's garbage.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure DA Bragg will have this guy back on the street with a muffin basket within minutes.
ReplyDeleteI don't mean to get political, but if Harvey Epstein and Carlina Rivera spent more time advocating for public safety than constantly campaigning for criminal rights and bail reform, our area would be much safer.
ReplyDeleteVote them out. Remember when Carlina wrote the Open Letter to the NYPD asking them to lay off the homeless encampments in the neighborhood? These politicians are extremists lost in the dementia of far left social media opinions, completely out of touch with the most basic needs of their constituents. A 90 year old man can’t even walk our streets without being viciously attacked.
DeleteAccording to CBS, he was seen on Avenue C.
ReplyDeleteKeep an eye out for him.....
"At that point, two men — apparently known to regulars along Avenue A — approached Ray and Gabe..."
ReplyDeleteIf they are "known", then why haven't they been arrested?
just disgusting
ReplyDeleteChris Flash do you have to push your Covid BS in every comment you post ? If you check I think you will find that the State court reversed the mandatory Covid shots and when did you , of all people , become a pro cop advocate ? Ray is a pretty tough guy and he is loved in the neighborhood and this keeps him alive at his very old age.
ReplyDelete@10:41am: Of course Ray is a beloved man in the neighborhood, but that does not render him impervious to serious medical problems resulting from being hit in the head with what is reported to have been a ROCK.
ReplyDeleteI "get" that Ray doesn't think he needs any medical help (and doesn't want to be bothered getting any), but I also know enough about this kind of injury to be SURE that Ray is taking a gigantic risk in not getting his injuries checked out.
9:48- Well said...... As I said cops are leaving in droves. I don't doubt that anti-vax wankery is one of the reasons. I also don't doubt that they could be easily replaced if it weren't for low pay, feeling under-appreciated, revolving door justice, and being open to lawsuits when their actions may require split second life and death decisions. Plus who wants to deal with NY assholes, lowlifes, and mentally ill people on a daily basis, to say nothing of hardcore criminal elements. It's a shit job.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what the solution to urban crime and social issues are but I think we're at a point where it's pretty clear we can't rely on humans to resolve these things. I think it's time to vote for machines, Artificial Intelligence, to sort things out.
Who assaults a 90 year old man? Sick person who should never be on the streets anyway.
ReplyDeleteXTC: I am quoting what more than one 9th precinct cop has told me.
ReplyDeleteAnonymASS 10:41: Even after NY State stopped mandating shots, mayor Adams CONTINUED the mandate (you are not paying attention!) By the time Adams stopped his nonsense, cops were already GONE!
I have NEVER been "anti-cop" - I am and always have been anti-POLICE STATE. There is a BIG difference between community policing and enforcing dictates of the state against the will of the people. Apparently, YOU don't get that either....