Police receive public help in identifying driver who damaged Watertown restaurant

Watertown Police have received assistance in identifying the vehicle that crashed into the side of Jana Grill on Galen Street. The restaurant has been temporarily closed due to damage from the incident.

The Watertown Police Department sent out the following request for public assistance on Wednesday, July 3:

Watertown Police are still searching for the driver and vehicle involved in an accident that occurred at 2:20 a.m. Monday morning. This red F250 truck crashed into the front of the Jana Grill at the corner of Galen St. and Watertown St.

Information is greatly appreciated, please contact us via our business number 617-972-6500, FB (Facebook) or anonymously via our website www.watertownpd.org

Later on Wednesday, police sent the following message:

The Watertown Police Department is pleased to report that the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run accident at the Jana Grill has been identified. Our investigation is of course ongoing, but this was a huge step forward. We want to extend our gratitude to all of our followers who tune in and support our efforts.

Jana announced on Instagram that it will be temporarily closed due to the damage caused by the pickup truck (you can find the post including video here).

Dear friends,

It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of the temporary closure of our restaurant. Last night at 2:19 a.m., an as-yet-unidentified red truck crashed into our front entrance, obscuring the scene of the accident. There was a lot of external and internal damage. If you saw anything or can help us identify the driver, please contact us or the Watertown Police Department to assist with the ongoing investigation. Sharing the video may also be helpful.

We apologize for having to cancel all reservations and orders for the coming weeks. This news is shocking to us and we are still processing it. More information to follow shortly.

In advance, we would like to thank our supportive community and the City of Watertown for everything.

Friendly,
Jana family

Jana Grill had previously been temporarily closed following a second-alarm fire at the restaurant on the corner of Galen and Watertown Streets in September 2021.