PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Sharif Street Jr., the son of state Sen. Sharif Street and grandson of former Mayor John Street, is accused of punching a security guard outside of The Met Philadelphia before the inauguration of Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Shortly after 10 a.m. Tuesday, police say 24-year-old Sharif Street Jr. and his grandfather approached a back entrance of The Met, where a barricade was set up ahead of Parker’s swearing-in ceremony.
Investigators say a security guard with The Met stopped the two men. That’s when police say Sharif Street Jr. got combative, reportedly grabbing the guard by the shirt and punching him in the face.
Officials say a large crowd formed and after a brief struggle with officers, Sharif Street Jr. was placed in custody. He was charged with assault.
However, in a statement from state Sen. Sharif Street, he says his son was protecting his grandfather, as the security guard initiated the altercation.
State Sen. Sharif Street added that he does not condone violence of any kind, saying hired personnel must be trained to handle people of all ages.
Officials say the guard was treated on the scene.