Car hitting visitors at Baltimore restaurant

**kellyhound** · #1 ● 06-18-2007, 08:05 AM

(05-31-2007)
The crash at Regi's American Bistro in Federal Hill, have some who have seen the footage, questioning the driver's claims that he was trying to park when he lost control.

The video came from surveillance cameras at a Thai cuising restaurant next door to Regi's.

The pictures showed a car jumping the curb in the 1000 block of Light Street before plunging through tables of the outdoor eating section at Regi's.

Eight patrons suffered minor injuries, but investigators said the result could have been far worse.

"When I saw the video it was absolutely horrific," said Victor Chungsakoon who works at the Thai restaurant next door. "I saw the tables flying the people rolling off running for dear life and my heart really goes out to them."

The injuries included minor leg injuries, cuts and scrapes.

Alan Morstein, the owner of Regi's American Bistro, said he and his wife were nearly speechless after seeing the images of the chaotic crash into their restuarant.

"I can't believe it, I have goose bumps," said Morstein. He added, "I'm in a state of shock. I saw the aftermath but I didn't see it occur."

In an effort to bring humor to what could have been a tragic situation, Morstein has added a new item to the menu at Regi's.

"It's my sense of humor," said Morstein. "So, on the menu we now feature drive-thru dining."

Although the driver told police he was trying to park when something went wrong, some patrons are hoping police will be able to use the video tape to determine more.