At 4:28 a.m. on Sunday, September 26, a 60‑year‑old Rosenberg resident rammed a sedan into the front automatic doors of a Kroger that was closed for the day. The impact shattered glass on both sides of the entrance and bent the metal frame, leaving a gaping hole that forced staff to close the store early.
Rosenberg police said the driver had called 911 earlier that night, reporting he was "in urgent need of a restroom" and that the doors were locked. Officers arrived on scene within 12 minutes, found the vehicle parked beside a Halloween candy display, and detained the suspect on criminal mischief.
Kroger’s regional manager Linda Martinez told reporters the damage will cost the company an estimated $3,500 to repair the doors and replace shattered glass, but said the building’s structural integrity was unaffected.
The state’s criminal code lists mischief as a misdemeanor that can result in up to 30 days in county jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Police said the driver was taken to the Rosenberg Detention Center and will face a hearing on October 5.
When questioned, the suspect said he had been waiting for a bathroom for hours and that the nearest public restroom was over 8 miles away. He added that he had no intention to damage property, only to find a place to relieve himself.