Crime & Safety
Police: Man Threw Sledgehammer Through Restaurant Window
The suspect was denied alcohol at the El Espino Restaurant, according to Manassas Park Police.
Employees at the El Espino Restaurant refused to serve a Haymarket man alcohol—so he went outside to his vehicle, grabbed a sledgehammer and threw it through the window, Manassas Park Police said.
Juan Cruz Rodriguez, 23, is charged with destruction of property, throwing a missile at an occupied dwelling, DUI and refusal to take a breathalyzer.
Police said that Rodriguez entered the restaurant on Aug. 9 just after 2 a.m.
"Mr. Rodriguez entered the business as it was closing and was denied alcohol. He left the restaurant, parked his vehicle in front of the business, removed a sledge hammer, threw it through the 12'x 6' window striking a table and chairs, and fled the scene," police said in a news release.
No one was injured. Prince William County Police found Rodriguez driving a 2000 Toyota and arrested him on the DUI and refusal charges. After Rodriguez was taken to the county jail, Manassas Park officers charged him with the remaining offenses. Rodriguez will appear in court on Sept. 26.
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