A driver crashed a stolen Rolls-Royce into a Checkers restaurant in Fort Lauderdale early Wednesday, leaving the suspect behind bars and a massive mess in its wake, according to authorities and the vehicle's owner.
The incident started at around 2:15 a.m. when officers responded to 505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, an address that corresponds to the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, for a vehicle that had been stolen, Fort Lauderdale Police officials said.
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Authorities later saw that vehicle, a white Rolls-Royce Cullinan, going west on W. Broward Boulevard. The driver took off when he saw police, though officers said they did not give chase.
Eventually, the suspect crashed into the Checkers at 2701 W. Broward Boulevard, police said.
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Video from the scene showed a huge hole in the restaurant and the luxury vehicle crushed, hazards flickering and airbags deployed.
After the crash, the driver bailed out, but they were found shortly after and arrested, according to authorities.
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The Checkers was open, and it appears one woman was working inside at the time of the crash. Police said no one was hurt but fire rescue officials said the driver was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue was on scene and their building inspector was notified as well.
"I'm definitely not shocked. It is a Rolls-Royce and people like to steal things and do a little bit of a joy ride, but this joy ride right here, not too fun for this person, 'cause he's locked up and the car's totaled," the owner, who did not wish to provide his name, said. "What are you gonna do?"
The hotel didn't want to comment on the incident.
Police later identified the suspect as 21-year-old Malik Patterson. He's facing charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle and resisting without violence.
Patterson also had two outstanding warrants, one from Broward and the other from California, police said.
NBC6 is working to learn more about how the theft happened.
This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.
