HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – It’s déjà vu all over again for a restaurant on Hollywood Beach.
For the second time, someone has attempted to set the business on fire and police are now working to determine if the same person is responsible.
Surveillance video captured a man attempting to set the Broadwalk Restaurant on fire early Tuesday morning.
The footage shows the suspect in a red car approaching the restaurant, located at 1400 N. Surf Road, then throwing what appears to be a Molotov cocktail in the driveway right outside the business.
“We have no idea who the person is or why he is doing that,” Denis De Almeida, the manager of Broadwalk Restaurant, said.
Hollywood police said their officers responded just before 5 a.m. and found charred pavement, but there was no sign of the driver, who had already fled the scene.
“It seems like the guy struck again — according to our footage, it is the same person, same car,” De Almeida said.
If this crime sounds familiar, it’s because a similar incident occurred at the same restaurant in late June.
In that case, the culprit appeared to be driving the same red car and once again threw a Molotov cocktail in the same location outside the business.
“Luckily, he didn’t hit the building, but if he hits the building, everybody is going to be affected,” De Almeida said. “We have people here, including myself, who have families to feed.”
While the manager said there were no significant damages to the building, he is concerned they may not be as lucky if this arsonist returns.
“It could happen to anyone, so if you guys see something, say something,” De Almeida said
Right now, Hollywood police are investigating to determine if the two incidents are related and if the same person is responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.