MECHANICSVILLE, Va. — The owner of the Italian Kitchen said someone made nine or 10 harassing phone calls to his Mechanicsville restaurant the same day someone vandalized the business with gray paint during dinner service. Thursday’s incidents remained under investigation by the Hanover Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said they developed a suspect in the phone calls by tracing the number, but were unsure if the calls were connected to the vandalism. No arrests have been made.
“Never had any trouble before like this,” restaurant owner Ray Thompson said. The Italian Kitchen first opened in 1977.
A customer first noticed the paint splattered around the restaurant’s entrance around 9 p.m. Thursday. No one saw the actual vandalism take place, Thompson said. He added someone left business cards near a car that was splattered by the paint, but said he was unsure whether the cards belonged to the vandal.
The restaurant, known for its veal, pasta and homemade breads, remained open for business Friday.
Anyone with information about the vandalism was asked to call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or the Hanover Sheriff’s Office 804-365-6110.
