Vernon Restaurateur Credits Karma For Staffers Saving Neighbor

VERNON, CT — The past 45 days have been eventful — and arguably even on the wild side — for those over at Craig's restaurant in the Rockville section of Vernon, and on Tuesday, karma may have set in after two staffers were able to come to the aid of a business neighbor suffering a medical emergency.

The saga began on Sept. 17, when owner Craig Wright came into the front door that morning to begin his prep work for the day. He then noticed that someone had broken into the restaurant through a rear door and stole a cash register. An undisclosed amount of money was taken, police said.

The communitry rallied behind him and raised $600. With the door being fixed quickly, Wright said he donated the money to the local American Legion post.

Craig's is located at 13 West Main St.

On Tuesday, as he and the staff were closing, staffers Jeremiah Rivera and Jasmine Negron went to the corner convenience store — just a few steps away — to get some personal provisions for the night. As they were checking out a clerk collapsed.

"No one else was in the store at that time and if they weren't there, who knows what would have happened," Wright said.

Wright said the clerk is diabetic and Negron, whose dad is diabetic, managed to quickly grab some orange juice, mix in some sugar, and get it to the clerk.

She and Rivera then sat him up and he eventually recovered, Wright said.

Wright then said he received a call from Vernon police on Wednesday about the break-in.

"They said they were able to collect some evidence, so we'll see what happens," he said. "We're like a family here and we all work together."

Vernon police said the burglary is still being investigated and anyone who may have any information on the case can call them at 860-872-9126.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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