El Monte Police Vehicle Crashes into Burger Shop After DUI Collision [El Monte, CA]

EL MONTE, CA (April 14, 2024) — A suspected DUI driver collided with an El Monte police car Thursday night, propelling it into Art’s Burger on Valley Blvd. The crash, caught on surveillance footage, shows the patrol car being thrust over the curb and into the restaurant’s archway, causing structural damage and a partial roof collapse before hitting another awning at the back.

At the time of the El Monte police car crash, four employees were inside the restaurant, escaping serious injury but left significantly shaken, according to the restaurant’s manager, Alyssa Gomez. An 18-year-old employee described the event as “terrifying,” triggered by a loud screeching sound followed by the building’s sudden collapse. A female staff member sustained minor injuries from glass and debris.

Fortunately, no customers were present during the near-closing time incident. Art’s Burger, a staple in the community since 1950 and known for its substantial local business clientele, now faces temporary closure for repairs, impacting its ability to serve customers and provide for its employees.