There are small-time crimes like vandalism or jaywalking, and there are BIG-time crimes, like repeatedly tricking women into first dates, ordering a steak dinner, then running away, sticking them with the check. As heartless as it may seem, that's what has been happening again and again in Pasadena, California. The serial "Dine and Dasher," as he's come to be known, is believed to be one Paul Gonzales, who very nearly stuck another nice woman with his check, and was thwarted only at the last minute by the restaurant's eagle-eyed owner.
Carol first encountered Gonzalez on a dating website, where he introduced himself as Mike and seemed to hit it off with her. He shared pictures of a muscular man claiming it was him, although Carol no longer believes this is the case. She told Inside Edition that everything seemed to be going great:
He knew all the right things to say and that's what makes me really angry inside.
Carol met with Gonzalez at Mercado Restaurant, but he had already eaten by the time she arrived. He then proceeded to order another meal, telling her:
He kind of like patted his stomach and said, "I know it's probably surprising, but you'll be surprised I can eat two meals."
Fortunately, the day was saved by restaurant manager Justin Leyvas, who spotted Gonzalez as he stood up:
I said, 'You're the notorious dine-and-dash dater,' and he kind of looked perplexed. And I said, 'That's you, right?' He said yes. I said, 'Well, I'm not going to serve you.'
It's possible Leyvas didn't think his gesture through completely. By throwing the infamous Dine and Dasher out of the restaurant, he had essentially just helped him escape without paying the check once again. Fortunately, all ended well and the restaurant comped Carol's meal to make up for any inconvenience.
This is far from the first time Gonzalez has been up to no good. More than 20 women have come forward with stories about him! Who knows how many more have been affected?
Carol is calling on action to be taken against Gonzalez before he strikes again:
This man needs to be stopped. God knows how many other women he will attempt to do this to.
H/T - Inside Edition, YouTube
