Port St. Lucie, Florida — Peter Riera, 44, arrested after gunfire erupts outside local pub
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The quiet early hours of Tuesday morning erupted into chaos in Port St. Lucie when Peter Riera, 44, allegedly brandished a firearm and discharged several rounds at three people in the parking lot of Harpers Pub. Authorities confirmed that no one was physically struck, but the incident left the community shaken and prompted a swift police response.
The disturbance unfolded at approximately 2:48 a.m. at Harpers Pub, located at 1774 Southeast Port St. Lucie Boulevard, just moments after the establishment closed for the night. According to police reports, Riera, who resides in Port St. Lucie, had been drinking inside the pub with three young adults — two men and one woman, all in their 20s — whom he had only met that evening.
Investigators indicated the confrontation began with an unusual argument regarding chickens and the number of eggs they could lay. What started as a casual conversation escalated as the group moved into the parking lot. “There was a conversation about how many, I kid you not, how many eggs a chicken can lay. And that conversation got a little heated, and as it went out into the parking lot, the conversation continued, and the shooter became agitated, became paranoid,” said Sgt. Dominick Mesiti.
Once outside, Riera allegedly accused the trio of attempting to con him, though witnesses reported no evidence supporting this claim. As tensions intensified, Riera produced a Glock 30 handgun and fired four rounds at the fleeing individuals. Surveillance footage captured Riera hiding after the shots were discharged.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that no injuries occurred during the shooting, but the act led to multiple arrests at the scene. Riera faces serious charges, including three counts of attempted aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, four counts of discharging a firearm in public, and one count of use of a firearm while under the influence. He is currently being held at the St. Lucie County Jail without bond.
In addition to Riera, two others were detained for their conduct during the police response. Brandon Pace, 24, also of Port St. Lucie, was arrested for allegedly obstructing officers and physically resisting arrest, including kicking two officers. Pace now faces one count of resisting an officer with violence and two counts of battery on law enforcement officers. Kayla Damiani, 26, was arrested for interfering with officers during the investigation and faces one count of resisting an officer without violence. Damiani was released on a $500 bond.
Authorities recovered the firearm and four shell casings at the scene. Police are urging anyone with information or video footage to contact Detective Samantha DiPierro at (772) 871-5001 or Treasure Coast Crimestoppers at (800) 273-8477.
The incident has sparked concern among local residents, highlighting the unpredictable nature of confrontations and the importance of public safety measures in community spaces.