All Over Albany

Car crashes into New World Bistro Bar

Update late Wednesday afternoon: They're opening back up, officially.

Update Wednesday at 12:52 pm: New World says it's hoping to open tonight, pending approval from city inspectors. Update update: restaurant press release about the situation after the jump.
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Updated Wednesday at noon: The Albany Police Department has released more details about the incident. Short story: they allege two guys were fighting over a woman. The ex-boyfriend allegedly tried to stab the new boyfriend. The new boyfriend then allegedly tried to hit the ex-boyfriend with his car, but missed and instead hit New World.

The full release is after a the jump, plus a quick video clip from a witness.
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A car crashed into the front of New World Bistro Bar in Albany Tuesday night around 8:45 pm. Albany police say the crash followed an alleged attempted stabbing at the KFC just down the street (the other side of the Spectrum). The APD says it's located everyone involved. [WNYT] [Fox23]

Police say a man involved with the fight lost control of his car as he drove down Delaware after the alleged fight, hit New World, then drove farther down Delaware and struck another car. A witness says it appeared the driver was trying to hit a man with the car, missed, and slammed into the building. [YNN] [TU]

The APD says two people inside in the building suffered minor injuries. [CBS6]

Just from our own casual observation from the sidewalk, it looked like there were broken windows, bent framing, and one section of wall was pushed in about foot or two along the front of the building. There was a crew from the city looking at the building late Tuesday.

More photos after the jump.

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From the Albany Police Department press release:

Albany police have arrested two men in connection with last night's fight on Delaware Avenue that led to a car striking the building at the New World Bistro injuring two people inside the restaurant.

Deshawn Currie, 26 of Albany, and Jason Lopez, 25 of Manhattan, were involved in an altercation over a girl in the parking lot of the KFC at 274 Delaware Avenue last night at 8:25 p.m.

Currie is currently dating Lopez's ex-girlfriend and the two men were fighting over her. Lopez allegedly had a knife on him and attempted to stab Currie but was unsuccessful. Currie then jumped into his 2000 Nissan Maxima and drove south on Delaware Avenue as Lopez ran down the street. He swerved his car and attempted to hit Lopez but missed and jumped the curb, traveled onto the sidewalk, striking the New World Bistro building. The car partially entered the building and two people dining inside were slightly injured by flying debris. Currie then backed his car up out of the building and onto the street and drove south on Delaware Avenue again trying to strike Lopez. He hit a parked car and came to a rest.

Officers who responded to the scene were able to contain all the parties involved and they were transported to the Detective Division. After the investigation was complete Currie was charged with Attempted Assault 1st, two counts of Reckless Endangerment 1st, Reckless Driving and Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Auto Accident. Lopez was charged with Criminal Contempt, Possession of a Weapon 4th and Menacing 2nd. Both men were arraigned in Albany City Criminal Court this morning.

The building sustained significant damage to the front exterior. The restaurant is currently closed because of the damage but the owner is working with the City's Building Inspector to make the necessary repairs to be able to open.

New World Bistro Bar press release:

New World Bistro Bar Will Remain Open During Repairs

New World Bistro Bar on Delaware Avenue will remain open during renovations following an incident Tuesday night when a car drove through the front wall of the restaurant. Pending city inspection, the restaurant hopes to be open tonight, Wednesday June 8th.

No staff or patrons were seriously injured during the accident. One patron reported minor scrapes and soreness.

"We are so fortunate that no one was hurt," says New World Bistro Bar owner Annette Nanes. "There has been an outpouring of support from friends, family and customers and we are thankful to be part of such a great community. "

New World Bistro Bar will close off only the front section of the dining room, which faces Delaware Avenue. The rest of the dining area, including the bar and patio were unaffected by the incident.

"New World Bistro Bar and The Spectrum Theatres are anchors of the Delaware Avenue community. We still believe in this community and our customers obviously still believe in us. One little accident won't shut us down."

Brian Scavo, an Albany County legislator, says he witnessed the car hit the building:

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New World Bistro Bar advertises on AOA.