Man freed from Va. Beach eatery's exhaust vent

VIRGINIA BEACH

When the owner of Harold's restaurant entered his eatery Saturday, he knew almost immediately that something was amiss.

The fire suppression system in the kitchen had gone off and Harold Owens heard a noise that he thought was coming from above. Then he saw legs and feet dangling from the hood over the stove.

Owens called the police, and crews responded about 9 a.m. to cut away the metal duct to free the man, Fire Department Battalion Chief Ken Pravetz said. The man had climbed into the duct about 3 a.m. in what Pravetz said was likely an attempt to enter the restaurant, on Virginia Beach Boulevard near Town Center.

Owens said the trapped man, whom police did not identify, was a former employee who apologized for trying to climb through the duct. The man spent about eight hours in the 18-by-18-inch exhaust vent before rescuers dislodged him about 10:45 a.m.

The trapped man was alert and suffered only minor injuries, Pravetz said. He was taken to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.

A police spokeswoman said a detective was on the scene but provided no reason the man was in the duct.

Owens said he found the situation anything but amusing. Rather, he said, he was disgusted by it, especially if burglary was the motive.

Extensive damage to the ventilation system was done during the rescue, though no dollar amount was available.

"We're a small business struggling in this economy," Owens said. "We're going to do the best we can to get going again."

The restaurant reopened later that day, Owens said, once repairs were done and he got clearance from the fire and health departments.