PALO ALTO – A 37-year-old Palo Alto man has been arrested on suspicion of shattering the windows of a dozen businesses in downtown Palo Alto, authorities said.
At about 3:55 a.m. Monday, officers were called to the SliderBar at 324 University Ave. for a report of vandalism, the Palo Alto Police Department said in a news release. A person said they had seen a man kick and shatter the front window of the restaurant, and other businesses in the area also had broken windows.
Officers detained the man minutes later at Bryant Street and Lytton Avenue, police said.
Police said a check of the area revealed additional broken windows at Siam Royal at 338 University Ave., the Apple Store at 340 University Ave., Design Within Reach at 355 University Ave., Union Bank at 400 University Ave., YAYOI at 403 University Ave., Lululemon at 432 University Ave., Form Fitness at 445 Bryant St., Apercen Partners LLC at 314 Lytton Ave., and commercial properties at 255, 265 and 390 Lytton Ave.
An investigation revealed the man had used physical force or objects such as rocks to break the windows, police said. None of the businesses appeared to have been burglarized.
“Initial replacement estimates from the various businesses are still pending, though police believe the total damage to be well in excess of $100,000,” police said.
The man was booked into Santa Clara County jail on charges of felony vandalism as well as warrants for felony evading, misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor violation of a court order.
Anyone with information related to the case can contact the police department at 650-329-2413. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text 650-383-8984 or email paloalto@tipnow.org.
Source: www.mercurynews.com