A man has been sentenced to 3 years probation and to repay damages after throwing a cinderblock through the front doors of Hermie’s Drive-In.
In August, 69-year-old Anthony Ferrante pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree felony burglary. In exchange for pleading guilty, charges of property damage and interfering with a peace officer were dropped.
Ferrante was fined $53 and ordered to pay back $1,160 in restitution to the restaurant owners.
On Aug. 10, 2025, Cedar City police were called to Hermie’s drive-in for a reported burglary in progress. When officers arrived on the scene, they saw two shattered glass doors with a cinderblock lying on the floor of the restaurant. When they entered, they saw Ferrante behind the counter filling up cups of soda.
“I ordered Anthony to exit the store but he stated that he had permission to be there and then walked to the back of the store and did not return,” the affidavit said.
Police repeatedly ordered Ferrante to come out of the back of the restaurant, but Ferrante did not respond. Officers entered the building, accompanied by a K-9. In the back, they found Ferrante sitting in a sink where police were able to detain him with no incident.
After he was taken into custody, he told police that he was passing through Cedar on his way to another state. Officers later stated they considered him a flight risk and a potential danger to the community.
As part of Ferrante’s probation, he must undergo mental health and substance abuse evaluations.
Author: Andrew Streeter
Photo credit: Paul Bardazzi
Editor: Hannah Clove
news@suunews.net
