Dine-and-dash suspect gets just desserts after skipping out on bill at California restaurant

By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-09-26 20:21:38 | Updated at 2026-09-26 20:56:12 37 minutes ago

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A dine-and-dasher fled a Fresno restaurant Friday night to avoid paying for the meal — only to end up with a hospital bill after getting hit by a car.

The man allegedly ran out of Indian’s Oven around 9:30 p.m. after not paying for his meal at the restaurant, according to cops.

A dine-and-dasher was hit by a driver who then fled the scene while attempting to flee a Tower District restaurant in Fresno on Friday night, according to Fresno Police. ABC 30

The man was chased by security and ran into Olive Avenue, Fresno Police Lieutenant James Rosetti told ABC 30. An eastbound vehicle struck the pedestrian and the driver also fled, Rosetti said.

A dine-and-dasher was hit by a driver who then fled the scene after attempting to flee a Tower District restaurant on Friday night in Fresno. ABC 30

The dine-and-dasher was taken to Community Regional Medical Center for moderate injuries and is listed in stable condition, the police department said in a Saturday update.

India’s Oven Tower District, an Indian restaurant, is located at 1153 N Fulton St. in Fresno, California. Google

Police said they were able to locate the hit-and-run suspect using automated license plate reader technology. His vehicle was found near East Hammon Avenue and North First Street.

The suspect, 36-year-old Steven Jones, allegedly walked up to officers and admitted to driving the vehicle during the collision.

Steven Jones was arrested on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Fresno. Jones was cited for DUI and booked into the Fresno County Jail for felony hit-and-run after a vehicle collision. FRESNO PD

Officers tested Jones and found he was driving under the influence. Jones was booked into Fresno County Jail for a felony hit-and-run charge, police said.

Police have not yet named the injured dine-and-dash suspect.

The restaurant Indian’s Oven specializes in Northern Indian cuisine, according to its website. It has two locations in Fresno as well as a banquet hall. The crimes allegedly happened near its Tower District location, north of downtown.

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