University Place, WA — A bizarre hit-and-run incident involving a failed DIY towing attempt caused significant damage to a local restaurant, after a runaway car crashed into the same storefront three separate times before the suspects fled the scene.
Restaurant Hit Multiple Times in Early Morning Chaos
According to Fox News, Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Pho and Teriyaki in University Place around 6 a.m. on July 30 after receiving reports that a car had plowed into the building.
When deputies arrived, the maroon sedan was no longer inside the restaurant but was found abandoned elsewhere in the same parking lot.
“The restaurant suffered significant damage, and the crash is being investigated as a hit-and-run,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Surveillance Footage Shows Series of Mishaps
Investigators reviewed security video from the strip mall, revealing that the drama began the previous evening. Around 5:45 p.m. on July 29, the sedan’s driver parked near AutoZone and told store employees he would return to tow the vehicle.
At 3:45 a.m., a white Honda Pilot with a trailer dolly arrived. The driver attempted to tow the broken-down sedan but was unsuccessful.
An hour and a half later, the driver switched tactics, using a tow strap to pull the sedan to the other end of the parking lot — until the strap snapped. A second attempt ended the same way, but with worse results.
- Second strap break: The sedan rolled backward and smashed into the restaurant.
- Third strap break: The driver tried again, only for the sedan to slam into the restaurant a second time.
Final Attempt Ends in Damage and Abandonment
Undeterred, the driver made a third attempt with the help of a female passenger. This time, they managed to move the sedan toward the exit but clipped a retaining wall and curb.
Then, in a final act of chaos, the sedan rolled back into the restaurant for the third time. At that point, the suspects gave up, abandoned the vehicle, and left the scene.
“We are still investigating whether any arrests or charges will be filed,” the sheriff’s office told Fox News Digital.
Hit-and-Run Investigation Ongoing
Deputies have not released the identities of the suspects. The case is being treated as a hit-and-run, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.
What’s your reaction to this unusual towing disaster? Share your thoughts in the comments.
