Valentine’s Day Rampage at Manhattan Steakhouse
Perhaps he just needed some affection.
In the early hours of Valentine’s Day, a man caused chaos at a popular West Side steakhouse, drinking a $50 bottle of gin before going on a rampage, according to police reports and sources.
The mayhem escalated when the suspect, after vandalizing the restaurant, punched someone a few blocks away, police stated.
Jonathan Jones, 36, initially broke into Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse on Ninth Avenue near West 35th Street around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. He smashed through the front window, grabbed a bottle of Botanist Gin, took a big swig, then drank at the bar while causing some property damage, as reported by police and restaurant officials.
“The damage was significant,” restaurant manager Muhamed Yaseen explained. “He walked by with shopping bags, put them down, and decided to break in.”
According to security footage, he continued until he created a substantial hole in the door.
While inside, Jones drank the gin and hurled the bottle at the bar, shattering tequila, wine, and Chivas Regal Scotch, resulting in an estimated $4,000 in damages, Yaseen noted.
“He really took a hefty sip,” Yaseen added.
Yaseen also mentioned, “At least he didn’t go for the meat,” referring to a large meat display, expressing concern about Jones potentially buying expensive Kobe and Wagyu beef.
Interestingly, the intruder triggered the fire alarm shortly after breaking in, Yaseen said.
Though he managed to escape, his freedom was short-lived. Minutes later, he struck a victim in the face on Eighth Avenue near West 28th Street, leading to his arrest.
The victim identified Jones as the assailant, and police connected him to the break-in at Uncle Jack’s, authorities reported.
Jones now faces charges including burglary and criminal mischief.
Despite the chaos, the steakhouse quickly boarded up the broken windows, cleaned up the glass, and opened for Valentine’s Day, a key day for romantic celebrations.
The resolution of Jones’ legal proceedings, however, remains uncertain.
