Suspects accused of assault outside Ray's Candy Store remain in jail

This past week, the two suspects who police arrested in connection to the assault outside Ray's Candy Store, 113 Avenue A, on Jan. 31 had court appearances. 

Luis Peroza, who allegedly struck owner Ray Alvarez and employee Gabe Thorne with a belt with a rock attached, remains at Riker's. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 2.

Peroza, who previously served five years in prison for assault, was charged with first- and second-degree assault, two counts of first-degree robbery, and two counts of first-degree attempted robbery.

His alleged accomplice, Gerald Barth, also remains at Riker's. His next court date is March 1.

Barth was charged with first-degree assault and two counts each of first-degree robbery and first-degree attempted robbery. 

This post has more details on what has happened to date.

Meanwhile, yesterday, the social media accounts — on Twitter and Instagram — for Ray's Candy Store addressed the assault for the first time, thanking everyone for their support in the past two weeks... with shout-outs to media outlets for their coverage ...

“Ray, do you want to post about it?”

“No, no. I don’t want to put anything negative out there. Only positive.”

So, here’s one of our favorite photos of Ray.

Thank you to EVERYONE who has stopped into @RaysCandyStore to check on him. pic.twitter.com/XnRvSUD6jO

— Ray's Candy Store (@RaysCandyStore) February 12, 2023