SF hit-and-run driver crashes into Castro District cafe, destroys nearby parklet, police say

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco police are searching for a hit-and-run driver who crashed into a Castro District restaurant early Sunday morning, destroying an outdoor parklet and causing significant damage to nearby businesses.

The crash happened around 1:45 a.m. along Castro Street, a time when the area is typically busy with nightlife. First responders say it's a miracle no one was hurt.

Surveillance video captured the moment a sedan veered off the roadway and slammed into the front of Café Mystique, after first plowing through a streetside parklet belonging to Castro Indian Restaurant and Bar.

"The car was -- it was flying," said Ajay Khadka, owner of Castro Indian Restaurant and Bar.

Video shows the driver getting out of the wrecked vehicle and walking away from the scene. Another camera angle appears to show the driver running toward 18th Street moments after the crash.

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"Everything was destroyed: my neighbor's wall, tables, chairs," Khadka said.

San Francisco firefighters say they received multiple calls reporting a vehicle crashing through the parklet and into the building.

"There was a report from multiple callers of a person driving through a parklet into the building behind me," said Lt. Mariano Elias with the San Francisco Fire Department. "The driver was not located and appeared to be under the influence."

The impact caused structural damage to Café Mystique, which has since been "yellow-tagged" by city inspectors, indicating restricted use due to safety concerns.

"We couldn't open for breakfast," said Café Manager Narmela Khordins. "We have our regulars coming in. We lost business over it."

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Khordins expressed frustration over the incident, calling the driver's behavior reckless.

"I think it's ridiculous. People need to behave better," she said. "Castro Street is busy during that time. Bars are full. People are walking on the sidewalk. He could have killed anybody."

Police have impounded the suspect's vehicle as part of the investigation, but the driver has not yet been located.

Anyone with information is urged to contact San Francisco police.