Restaurant owner tries to stop car thief, watches suspect crash into his business

A University Place restaurant owner tried to stop a car thief earlier this month but ended up watching the suspect drive straight into his business.

Surveillance video shows the chaotic moments outside India Mahal Restaurant on the night of Feb. 7, when owner Amanjit Randhawa said someone tried to steal his car parked in front of the restaurant on Bridgeport Way West.

“I warmed up my car as I’ve done thousands of times before,” Randhawa said. “Within a few minutes, I just saw a shadowy figure run up and jump in my driver’s seat.”

Randhawa ran toward the vehicle as the suspect hit the gas, sending the car crashing through the restaurant’s front door.

“He kind of panicked, I assume, and pressed the gas,” Randhawa said. “It came crashing into the front door.”

Randhawa and several nearby residents wrestled the suspect to the ground before police arrived and made an arrest.

“Once the crash happened, it was like an explosion,” Randhawa said. “Everyone came rushing out. It took about three or four people to put him to the ground.”

The damage to the restaurant is estimated at about $30,000, but the longtime family business remains open as repairs continue. India Mahal has been a University Place fixture since 1996, known for its loyal customers and traditional Indian dishes.

“It’s a bit of a shock that just a few seconds can change the face of a business and lives so dramatically,” Randhawa said.

University Place resident and customer Jean Ramey said the crash was devastating to see.

“They’ve been loyal community members and their service has always been good,” Ramey said. “They more than deserve community support.”

Randhawa said he hopes that loyal customers will continue to rally around the restaurant during the recovery process.

“Hopefully the community can help us out and come by for food as they always have,” he said. “We intend to continue strong.”

The family has created an online fundraiser to help with repairs.