Man Turns Himself in for Allegedly Vandalizing Restaurant Deck and Then Taking a Nap After Surveillance Photo Goes Viral

**Dewey Beach Bar Vandalism Leads to Arrest of 23-Year-Old Man**

In a disconcerting incident for a Delaware bar and grill, 23-year-old Joseph Hoyle was arrested after allegedly vandalising Woody’s Dewey Beach. The arrest took place on Sunday, May 24, following an investigation by the Dewey Police Department. The case drew attention after the restaurant shared disturbing footage of the incident on social media, depicting extensive damage caused to its premises.

The incident reportedly began in the early hours of the morning when Hoyle is believed to have entered the business around 2:30 a.m. According to the police, surveillance footage captured him spending several hours wreaking havoc on the restaurant’s deck before unexpectedly taking a nap at the site. Witnesses later noted they had seen him lounging around but mistook him for an employee, as they did not perceive any unusual activity due to the enclosed nature of the deck.

Dewey Police stated that they were alerted to the vandalism around 8:40 a.m. when management from Woody’s reported the extensive damage. Upon review of the surveillance footage, investigators concluded that Hoyle had caused significant destruction by overturning furniture, smashing a television, and scattering various items around the deck.

The bar later disclosed that the total cost of the damages was estimated to be around $6,140, including a television worth approximately $5,600. Photos posted by the Dewey Police Department showcased the extent of the wreckage, displaying overturned chairs, tables, and condiments scattered across the floor in a shocking display of vandalism.

In addition to the burglary charge, Hoyle faces allegations of felony third-degree burglary and criminal mischief resulting in property damage exceeding $5,000. Following a brief investigation, Hoyle chose to turn himself into the police, arriving at the department around 10 a.m. on the same day the incident was reported.

In a statement, the Dewey Police Department confirmed the ongoing nature of their inquiry into the incident, emphasising the seriousness of the allegations against Hoyle. The police noted that Hoyle had previously been in contact with them in relation to an unrelated matter before this occurrence.

Social media played a significant role in the case’s escalation, with Woody’s Dewey Beach making a viral appeal for the suspect to come forward. Their online post detailed the chaotic scenes and described how an individual had spent hours “throwing, kicking and breaking everything” in sight, leaving a path of destruction in what should have been a bustling outdoor space.

The bar did not immediately comment on the ongoing investigation or the arrest but has taken to their social platforms to express their dismay at the situation. As the investigation continues, many community members are left wondering how such a violent act could take place in their neighbourhood.

This incident serves as a reminder that acts of vandalism not only impact businesses financially but also affect the camaraderie and sense of safety within a community. As Dewey Beach processes this unsettling occurrence, local law enforcement and the community at large will be vigilant about preventing similar incidents in the future.