DEVELOPING: Pasadena Cheesecake Factory Terrorism?
Pasadena, Calif. During the dinner hour Wednesday night a bearded man wearing all black clothing and wearing a black beanie threw a homemade explosive device into the Cheesecake Factory located in Old Town Pasadena, California, home of the famous Rose Bowl Parade.
Local ABC 7 news filed this report:
A man threw a homemade explosive device into the Cheesecake Factory in Pasadena, setting off an explosion that sent frightened diners fleeing but caused no serious injuries, officials said.
The incident happened at the restaurant in Old Town Pasadena just after 6 p.m. Witnesses said a man tossed a device into the restaurant and ran from the scene. It detonated and gave off heavy smoke, but no one was injured.
The suspect was described as about 6 feet tall with a thin build and a heavy beard. He was wearing all black clothing and a black beanie.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad responded and rendered the device and restaurant safe. Pasadena police are investigating and as a precaution have also contacted the FBI.
The Cheesecake Factory released a statement: “This evening an incendiary device exploded within our Pasadena restaurant. Thankfully, none of our guests or staff was injured. Law enforcement is actively investigating the incident and we hope to reopen in Pasadena on Friday, as usual.”
NBC 4 gave reports from customers inside the restaurant at the time:
“People were jumping over one another, fighting to get over bar stools. People were tripping, falling…stuff going everywhere. It was very chaotic,” said Garrett Gunkle, who went back to the scene to try to collect the belongings he left behind.
A man opened the door of the restaurant, lit the device, threw it inside and fled southbound on Fair Oaks Avenue, police said. The device landed under an unoccupied table.
No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
