OTAY MESA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A car crashed into the front of a sushi restaurant in southern San Diego on Sunday, knocking a woman to the ground and causing significant damage inside the business, according to police and restaurant staff.
Surveillance video from Little Sakana, an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant near Otay Mesa, shows a close call as a woman standing outside the entrance is knocked down as a car approaches the building.
The vehicle appears to push her aside before crashing through the front of the restaurant, sending tables and chairs flying.
Despite the frightening moment, officials say the injuries were minor and restaurant workers say those involved declined medical attention.
Employees say the driver was a 70-year-old man who is a familiar face at the restaurant.
“He’s actually one of our regulars,” said Kaylani Cayabyab, a manager at Little Sakana.
Cayabyab said the man typically stops by the restaurant every day for the same takeout order, steamed rice with a side of sauce.
According to staff, the man had just arrived and was attempting to park when the crash happened. Employees believe his foot may have slipped, causing the car to accelerate into the building.
The restaurant, which opened its Chula Vista area location in 2022, is family-owned and has built a base of regular customers since expanding from its original Mira Mesa location.
Cayabyab said the crash happened during an unusually slow moment. Just before the incident, a power outage at the shopping plaza forced the restaurant to temporarily suspend service.
As a result, fewer people were inside and outside the restaurant than usual.
“Weekends are normally very busy here,” Cayabyab said. “We’re just grateful no one was seriously hurt.”
San Diego police are investigating what led to the crash.
Restaurant managers say they are now working with insurance and fire officials to determine the extent of the damage.
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