The loud crash from a metal barricade thrown through the window created panic among workers at Vezzo NYC, making them duck for cover as they mistook it for gunfire. Busboy Jose Villavicenco described the shocking moment, stating, 'It sounded like an explosion. Everybody had dropped down, covering themselves with the tables. You think the worst.' The police later confirmed it was vandalism, with no customers present during the incident.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the violent act of vandalism occurred at around 8:30 p.m. when the restaurant was preparing to close. The metal barricade, used for outdoor dining, caused shards of glass to rain down, creating chaos for the unsuspecting employees. Villavicenco recounted, 'Staff near the window had to duck for cover to avoid injury. Thankfully, no customers were inside to witness the pandemonium.'
Authorities responded promptly to reports of what many initially thought was gunfire. Officers from the Midtown South Precinct prudently arrived, only to rule out any involvement of firearms. The incident left the restaurant staff shocked and in disbelief as they surveyed the damage left behind, highlighting the unexpected dangers they face even in what should be a normal workday.
The chaos unfolded quickly on a Sunday evening, leaving stunned employees cleaning up the aftermath of the vandalism. Witnesses noted that the perpetrator fled the scene before police arrived, as evidenced by the trail of shattered glass inside the establishment. Villavicenco's account provides insights into the high level of fear and uncertainty experienced by the staff in that moment.
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