Xavier Martinez Houston barber identified as the man filmed pepper spraying homeless man, Jonathan Scarber at gas station dumpster amid calls for justice.
A Houston man has become the subject of outrage after he was captured on video ‘pepper spraying’ a homeless man outside a Chevron gas station earlier this week.
Xavier Martinez who was outed on social media as the culprit, was filmed approaching the victim at the Chevron located near State Highway 249 and Bammel North Houston Road, Monday night according to KPRC2 community partner, Grizzy’s Hood News.
In the clip, (see below) Martinez who is a local barber and goes by the as @iggymadeithappen on social media is seen walking toward a dumpster where homeless man, Jonathan Scarber was sitting inside.
Pepper spray assault on homeless man leads to wide support of victim
Without warning, Martinez sprays pepper spray directly into Jonathan’s face, causing him to cry out in pain. A gleeful Martinez then runs back to a nearby car while the person recording is heard laughing in the background as the victim struggles with the burning effects of the spray.
‘I was getting belongings out and just out of nowhere got pepper sprayed,’ Scarber told KPRC 2. ‘I couldn’t open my eyes.’
A friend who rushed to Scarber’s aid, Wolfgang Loehr, described the victim’s pain.
‘He was in pain,’ Loehr said. ‘I said, ‘Jon, Jon you gotta get water.’ He said he couldn’t and I didn’t realize how bad the situation was. He was really messed up. I got him to water.’
But not all was lost. The incident led to an outpouring of sympathy and support for Scarber as people began arriving at the gas station with supplies and donations for the much beloved homeless man.
Demands for justice
‘What people are doing out here by showing up, showing support and giving them hugs and encouragement — that speaks highly of Houston,’ Grizzy said. ‘What these guys did is not reflective of Houstonians. We’re way better than that.’
Scarber said he appreciates the help he’s received from strangers and neighbors.
‘I do appreciate all the help,’ he said.
The man who recorded the video later returned to the store to apologize to Scarber in person; Scarber said the apology made him feel better.
To date, Xavier Martinez has not been charged at this time. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office are now investigating and reviewing the tape as the local community rallies behind the victim and demands action against the alleged culprit.
