An elderly Austin restaurant owner became the victim of a brutal assault by three patrons who refused to pay their bill, per reports from CBS Austin. The Chekos Mexican Restaurant & Bar, owned by 68-year-old Sergio Alberto Vazquez, was the scene of a violent episode on April 28. Vazquez reportedly approached the trio, two women, and a man, after they complained about their meal post-consumption and declined to settle their tab. Despite Vazquez's willingness to absorb the cost and his request for the group to leave his establishment, tensions quickly escalated.
According to Maria Guadalupe Vazquez, the victim's daughter, Vazquez tried taking a photo of the group's vehicle license plate, inciting further violence. “On my way to the bar, they start breaking all my dishes," Vazquez recounted in a CBS Austin interview. Following the incident that left him with a bloody nose and injured finger, surveillance video depicted the assailants throwing and breaking plates before fleeing the eatery.
After the assault, Maria took to Facebook to spread awareness and appeal for assistance in identifying the culprits. Her posts narrated the incident and conveyed her father's ordeal. "My father has worked (his) butt off for years!! Has given (his) life and soul to keep Chekos Mexican Restaurant & Bar going," Maria stated in a Facebook post that was later cited by MySA. The assault spurred community members and social media users to offer support, with calls for justice echoing on the platforms.
The alleged attackers departed before the arrival of the Austin Police Department, completing their escape. The police, after arriving at the scene around 12:45 p.m., recorded descriptions and took evidence including surveillance and phone videos. An update on the case came on May 2, as APD confirmed to MySA that they had yet to identify any suspects. Meanwhile, Vazquez is dealing with the aftermath of his injuries while the family, and the local community clamor for repercussions against those responsible for his attack. Capital Area Crime Stoppers is accepting tips in connection with the incident, offering a means for witnesses to share information anonymously.
As the investigation proceeds, the incident at Chekos Mexican Restaurant & Bar, situated at 1304 W. Koenig Lane continues to gain traction within the Austin community. Maria’s social media endeavor captured not only a plea for her father but also a reflection of his selfless concern for his patrons. "Rather than focusing on himself, he worries about the customers who witnessed the incident," she explained in a heartfelt testimonial, to MySA. The family's narrative, steeped in both shock and resolute demand for justice, remains at the forefront of local discussions around the city's safety and the respect owed to local entrepreneurs.
