Austin police are on the hunt for a group responsible for the attack on a local restaurant owner, Sergio Alberto Vasquez, who was assaulted by customers over a dispute about their bill. The incident, which took place on April 28, has shocked the community not just for its violence, but for the fact that the victim is a septuagenarian restaurateur celebrating 16 years at the helm of Cheko's Mexican Restaurant & Bar, as reported by KVUE.
After being called to address three problematic customers who complained about the food and refused to pay, Vasquez arrived at the scene to diffuse the situation. In a statement obtained by KVUE, Vasquez explained that as he asked the group to leave, they began destroying property and subsequently assaulted him when he tried to photograph their vehicle's license plate. During the confrontation, captured by a cellphone, patrons rushed outside to defend Vasquez. Sadly, no suspects were found in the area following the attack and the Austin Police Department has yet to make any arrests.
The community has rallied around Vasquez, expressing disbelief and anger at the disrespect shown towards an elder, calling it contrary to the values many were raised with. According to a FOX 7 Austin interview, Maria Vasquez, Sergio's daughter, emphasized the close relationship her father has with his patrons, saying, "Most of the people that come here that are his customers, they don't just see him like another guy. They see him like, 'Oh, Grandpa/Dad.' Everybody goes up and hugs him. Everybody gives him love."
In a video plea, Vasquez appealed for anyone who recognizes the assailants to contact the authorities. "I want to say thank you very much for those people for helping me," Vasquez told FOX 7 Austin. "I hope this video can be seen, for many people to see, when these guys come in, call the police." The Austin Police Department urges anyone with any information to reach out via the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program, either through their website or by phone. The investigation continues as the family and the Austin community wait for justice.
