Man crashes Jeep into Denny's restaurant, injuring 23 people inside, Rosenberg police say

ROSENBERG, Texas (KTRK) -- Nearly two dozen people were hurt when a driver crashed into a packed Denny's restaurant on Monday, according to police, and some of the injured remained hospitalized Monday night.

"I got a scrape right here and some stitches right here," Roy Rodriguez Sr. said while pointing out his injuries on his porch at his home outside Rosenberg.

His wife of 61 years, Margaret Rodriguez, was still in the hospital with a serious leg injury and a deep cut to her chin.

"My wife was hollering. She was bloody and everything," Rodriguez said. The couple, who have six children, seven grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren, were eating breakfast at one of their favorite spots when the vehicle plowed inside.

An eyewitness shared video of the aftermath. Debris, dust, and food covered the restaurant.

"Chairs flying everywhere. Tables flying everywhere. Food flying everywhere," Frank Casas told ABC13 from the emergency room while wearing a neck brace. "I'm in major pain."

The Rosenberg Police Department said it began receiving calls about a Jeep SUV that crashed into the Denny's located at 27960 Southwest Freeway at 11:22 a.m. Monday

Police said the Jeep crashed into the south wall of the building, injuring 23 people inside. Police initially said the victims ranged in age from 12 to 60 years old, but a woman who spoke with ABC13 said her parents, ages 77 and 79, were among those hurt in the crash. Additionally, a couple said their 8-year-old was also hurt.

The injuries range from cuts to broken bones, though none appear to be life-threatening, Rosenberg PD said. Everyone who was injured was conscious when they were transported to area hospitals.

Police said the driver of the Jeep is 30 years old and was not injured.

"As of now, speed and the freshly-wet road contributed," Rosenberg police Chief Jonathan White wrote in an email to ABC13. "Traffic investigators will be reviewing all facts/evidence over the next few days to determine all causative and contributing factors."

Multiple lanes of the Southwest Freeway had to be closed for the crash investigation.

Rodriguez said he ended up positioned close to the driver.

"It didn't look like he was on drugs or anything," he said.

"If, at the conclusion of the investigation, appropriate charges are determined, they will be filed with the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office," White added.

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