Mr Kebab & Falafel Vandalized by Local Man Monday Morning

The 22 year old man found inside of Mr Kebab & Falafel at 201 Esplanade in the Capitola Village committed a "felony's worth of vandalism," said Sgt. Matt Eller of the Capitola Police Department. A drunken Gregory St. John Auer was arrested on suspicion of burglary shortly after a report of suspicious activity just before 1 a.m.

"The police were called at 12:56 a.m., and they had the man at gun point at 1 a.m.," said Sultan, 26, an employee who wishes to keep his last name private. 

Auer smashed one of the double glass doors to enter the restaurant, according to Sultan. He then proceeded to destroy the business. All five windows were smashed with chairs. The cash register, computer system, soda machine, and coffee machines were all ripped out and smashed. Auer even ruined some of the paintings, which were very expensive and imported from Jordan, according to Sultan.

Although he did not take anything, Auer was arrested on burglary charges. 

"Even though everybody thinks that burglary is breaking in to steal something that's not necessariy true. If you enter a biz with intent to commit petty theft, which is a misdeamer, or any other felony, that is deemed burglary," said Sgt. Eller. "The place is completely trashed."

The man had been drinking, according to Sgt. Eller. It is unknown at this time why Auer chose Mr Kebab & Falafel to plunder, and Sgt. Eller said he does not think Auer knows either. Auer's father bailed him out and returned with Auer to the scene Monday afternoon, said Sultan. 

"He said he didn't remember doing any of it, and he said he would pay for it..." said Sultan.

Estimated damages for initial repairs are at least $100,000. The computer system alone cost $10,000. 

"We actually just did remodeling for the place in April. We put so much money into it, and not it is such a mess. Not just money, but time, and effort. It's so sad to have someone just walk in here and do something so hideous," said the Owner of Mr. Kebab & Falafel who also wished to keep his name private.

Mr. Kebab & Falafel has only been open for 13 months.

Auer is a regular at the bars in Capitola, according to Sultan.

"I never saw him as a customer here, but he was just a regular face you see in the Village. I've seen him more than once at the bars," said Sultan, who also said he never interacted with Auer personally. 

Officers are waiting to obtain the security camera footage of the Capitola Village streets for further investigation. It is unknown which establishment, if any, Auer had been drinking at prior to the incident.

The owner, staff, and workers are presently working on cleaning up the mess. Shortly after 2 p.m. Monday, Rick Burger of The Skylight Place arrived to give estimates on new windows.