Louisville Business to Host Fundraiser for Damaged Restaurant After Drunk Driving Incident
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Highlands restaurant, Kiwami Ramen, may remain closed for weeks following a crash on Saturday night that police attribute to a drunk driver.
According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, a vehicle driven by 24-year-old Alexis Calvillo crashed into Kiwami Ramen on Bardstown Road around 9:30 p.m., causing significant damage to the building while four patrons were inside. One of the diners, a pregnant woman, was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Witness Dung Tran, whose brother co-owns the restaurant, reported that the impact destroyed part of the storage room wall and caused extensive damage to the interior, including the restroom facilities. “The picture that they sent me was, like, very scary,” Tran said.
Calvillo is facing several charges, including wanton endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident, resisting arrest, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. A police citation indicated that he threatened officers and refused to comply with their orders at the scene.
In response to the incident, Tran and his brothers, who co-own Kiwami, are organizing a fundraiser at The Louisville StrEatery on West Woodlawn Avenue to assist with repair costs and staff support. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident.