SEATTLE — A pandemic necessity became a permanent fixture for Some Random Bar in Belltown. The patio in front of the bar became an integral part of the setup, according to Jean Wallace. She owns the bar with her husband, Michael Maione.
"In the summer, that's where everyone wants to sit. It's too hot to sit upstairs. It's a big part of our business," she said.
On Thursday, around 5 a.m., Seattle police called the couple to let them know someone had crashed into the patio, destroying it.
SPD hasn't arrested anyone. The driver ran from the crash before police arrived. People in the neighborhood suspect he was drunk.
"He came from that way. Blew the light, came into oncoming traffic and just kablamo. You don't have to drive drunk. There are so many options," John McNally, owner of nearby business Busy Shoes, said. "I hope they catch the guy."
McNally watched as work crews cleaned up what was left behind. He said if it had happened at any other time, someone could have died.
"Thank God there was nobody in there. It was just sticks and stones," he said.
The owners told KING 5 that replacing it would be a headache. They estimate it will cost $50,000. Now, they have to wait for police reports and insurance to cover the costs. Wallace was adamant about rebuilding because they've already paid for the necessary permits and parking spaces to continue having a patio.
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