Driver Crashes Into Castro's Cafe Mystique & Damages Parklets, Flees Scene [Updated]

On Sunday morning, the driver of a vehicle crashed through two parklets along Castro Street before slamming into the restaurant Cafe Mystique at 464 Castro St.

According to SFPD spokesperson Officer Eve Laokwansathitaya, "On May 31, 2026, at approximately 1:48 a.m., San Francisco Police officers responded to the 400 block of Castro Street regarding a solo vehicle collision into a building." "When officers arrived on scene, they observed a sedan that was left at the scene."

"During a preliminary investigation, officers learned that the vehicle collided into two different parklets and then drove into a business, where the vehicle came to a stop," added the spokesperson.

The driver crashed into Cafe Mystique at 464 Castro St. | Photo courtesy of Karmela Khordians

 

"Officers were unable to locate the driver of the vehicle at the time," said Officer Laokwansathitaya. "The vehicle was towed for further investigation, and there were no reports of injuries."

The driver damaged the parklets owned by Cafe Mystique and Castro Indian Restaurant (468 Castro).

 

Surveillance video from Castro Indian Restaurant captured the entire incident on video. The suspect can be seen exiting the silver Ford four-door sedan after it comes to a halt and walking down Castro St. towards 18th.

On Sunday, when a Hoodline reporter visited the restaurants, workers could be seen clearing out debris and cleaning up the area. Both restaurants were open for business.

Damage caused to Cafe Mystique. | Photo courtesy of Karmela Knordians.

 

Plywood had been placed on the front of Cafe Mystique, where the car slammed into the wall and damaged the building.

According to Cafe Mystique manager Narmela Khordians, city inspectors visited the site and assessed the damage. While the impact did not cause structural damage to the building, Khordians will need to repair the front of the restaurant and replace the windows.

Khordians estimated the repairs will cost between $30,000-35,000.

Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

While a suspect has not been arrested at this time, Castro Merchants president Nate Bourg tells Hoodline that the driver is a known person in the neighborhood and frequents a local bar.  Bourg stated that this information has been shared with SFPD.

Khordians is grateful that no one was injured during the accident and said that people had been standing in front of the restaurant just moments before. During business hours, Cafe Mystique has many customers eating in its parklets and on the sidewalk.

Image of the driver from surveillance video. | Video courtesy of Narmela Khordians

 

"I'm glad it happened after business hours," said Khordians.

Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD tip line at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.

Update 6/5:

The San Francisco Police Department announced that a suspect has been arrested in the incident that occurred on Sunday, May 31.

"With the assistance of the public and a thorough investigation by TCIU (Traffic Collision Investigation Unit) investigators, the suspect driver was identified as 30-year-old Kejwine Patts of Oakland," said SFPD spokesperson Paulina Henderson.

"On June 5, 2026, TCIU investigators, with the assistance of the Citywide Plainclothes Team, located Patts and coordinated his peaceful surrender," added Henderson.

Patts was booked into San Francisco County Jail for vandalism (594 PC), and non-injury hit and run (20002 CVC). At this time, a bond and court date have not been set.

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Thanks to Hoodline tipsters Garrett G. and Christopher V. If you've seen something new (or closing) in the neighborhood, email your tips and photos to [email protected]. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit.