7 Charged in Violent Pier 39 Robbery in San Francisco

Suspects allegedly assaulted and robbed a victim near the popular tourist destination

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Seven suspects have been charged in connection with an assault and robbery that occurred near San Francisco's Pier 39 last week. Prosecutors allege the group of men approached the victim, who was walking with his fiancée and infant child, and one of the suspects ripped off the victim's gold and diamond necklace. When the victim tried to get the necklace back, the group allegedly surrounded him, punched and kicked him until he was unconscious, and the driver even kicked him in the head.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing public safety concerns in San Francisco's tourist areas, which have seen an uptick in violent crimes in recent years. Pier 39 is one of the city's most popular destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually, and this attack raises questions about security measures and deterrents for such brazen acts of violence.

The details

According to prosecutors, the group of seven men got out of a Chevrolet Tahoe and approached the victim near the Pier 39 parking garage. One suspect, 23-year-old Matthew Aval Taylor, reached out his hand as if to shake the victim's hand, but instead lunged at the victim's neck and ripped off his gold and diamond necklace. When the victim tried to get the necklace back, the other suspects surrounded him and repeatedly punched and kicked him until he was unconscious and motionless on the ground. The driver of the vehicle then got out and kicked the victim in the head.

  • The incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. on February 21, 2026.
  • The suspects were arrested and the vehicle was stopped in Sacramento by the California Highway Patrol as they were parking at a suspect's home.

The players

Matthew Aval Taylor

A 23-year-old suspect charged with second-degree robbery and assault.

Jatrell Joseph Howard

A 22-year-old suspect charged with second-degree robbery and assault.

Emanuel Barajas-Brenes

A 21-year-old suspect charged with second-degree robbery and assault.

Anthony Lee Henson

A 33-year-old suspect charged with second-degree robbery and assault.

Johnatan Guzman Lopez

A 26-year-old suspect charged with second-degree robbery and assault.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold those who commit violent crimes accountable and ensure the safety of our residents and visitors.”

— Chesa Boudin, San Francisco District Attorney (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The seven suspects were released on their own recognizance and are scheduled to appear back in court on March 17 to set a preliminary hearing.

The takeaway

This brazen attack near one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations underscores the ongoing public safety challenges the city faces. While arrests have been made, this incident will likely reignite debates around crime, policing, and security measures needed to protect both residents and visitors in the city's high-traffic areas.