Owner speaks out after Providence restaurant struck twice in month by vehicles
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Y Shabu Shabu, a beloved all-you-can-eat hotpot restaurant in Providence, sees many people walk in and out the doors, but one entrance was not quite like the others over the weekend.
Restaurant surveillance cameras show a car crashing into the front of the building Sunday night, leaving behind damage.
Police arrested 43-year-old Juan Rodriguez, who now faces driving under the influence and reckless driving charges.
"Don't drink and drive especially on snow days," said restaurant owner Yixuan Han. "One of our servers went to go dump the trash 13 seconds before the accident and then he went inside, and 10 seconds later someone crashed into the building."
And this is not the first time for the restaurant.
Han says in December, a pickup truck struck half of the door and left the scene.
That driver has not been caught.
"The building has been here for 15 years, and no car had ever crashed into it" continued Han. "And now the accidents happen less then one month apart."
The restaurant remains open for business, but the damaged section is closed. (WJAR)
The restaurant remains open for business, but the damaged section is closed.
Han hopes the city takes action soon, so a third time doesn't lead to anything worse.
"Maybe the city can put some things right in front of the sidewalk or speed bumps on the street just to make the people living and working here feel safe," he said.
