DENVER – Police on Monday named the driver accused of slamming his car into The Hornet restaurant at 1st Ave. and Broadway early Saturday morning and said they believe he was intoxicated when he allegedly did so.
Miguel Angel Ramirez-Martinez, 19, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and careless driving charges after the crash, according to state court records.
A probable cause statement for his arrest says Ramirez-Martinez had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and the odor of alcohol on his breath when he was arrested following the crash.
A bartender at The Hornet who narrowly escaped being hit by the car said he saw three young women jump out of the car as well as a young man who was driving, now identified as Ramirez-Martinez.
It was the third time the restaurant had been hit by a vehicle this year alone. The restaurant’s owner said the latest crash caused an estimated $60,000 worth of damage but the staff was working hard to keep the business open.
“Slow down on Broadway. It’s a pedestrian area,” said owner Sean Workman on Sunday. “More importantly, we don’t want to see anybody hurt.”
Court records show Ramirez-Martinez was arraigned on Sunday and has a bond hearing set for Dec. 7. He had not been formally charged as of Monday.
