Seventy-two window panes were broken at Hyperion Espresso early Monday morning, but the business nonetheless opened just six hours later.
Around 3 a.m. Monday, Fredericksburg police got a call about a man wearing a trash bag and breaking windows at Hyperion, a downtown institution located at 301 William St. The front door was also broken.
When Fredericksburg police arrived, according to a news release, they found a man standing in front of the business holding a plastic pole and a broomstick. The man told police that he had broken the glass to protect himself, believing he was being followed. He later told police that he intended to enter Hyperion to make himself a cup of coffee.
Police arrested Roger Ruffner, 66 of Fredericksburg, and charged him with felony vandalism and breaking and entering to commit a larceny. He was being held without bond.
Hyperion opened Monday around 9 a.m. — a couple of hours later than usual — after the mess was cleaned up, said business owner Jack Scholl. He bought the business this summer from longtime owners Dan Peterson and Ana Brugos.
There is now plywood up covering the broken windows and front door. Scholl said the business will remain open while repairs are awaited and made. He expects to have the repairs finished by next week.
Bill Freehling covers local business for the Fredericksburg Free Press. He can be reached at [email protected].
