Vandals struck La Bella Montagna Italian Restaurant in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day, breaking glass in a large bay window. The damage, in excess of $800, means the crime is classified as a felony.

La Bella Montagna is owned by Mariah Tartaglia, mother of Alfredo Tartaglia, 26, who was arrested Friday, Dec. 22, and charged with four counts of felony assault and intent to produce great bodily injury or death on an elder.

Alfredo was scheduled for a felony settlement conference on Thursday, Jan. 3. He has been incarcerated since his arrest.

Mariah believes the vandalism may be linked to her son’s actions and arrest. She said it was unlikely a thrown rock broke the window.

“The damage was a full-force blow that may have been done by a crowbar or bat, as it left a mark on the bottom frame in an angle of a left-handed individual,” she said. “The Sheriff [deputies who took the report] even speculated [the cause could have been] a bullet due to the extent of force; however, no bullet was recovered.” Vandals did not enter or burgle the restaurant.

Tartaglia is offering a $500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the Jan. 1 vandalism. “I have embarked on a journey to identify all the suspects that take away our tranquility [in Idyllwild] and I began with my own son who is paying for his actions.” She said she wants to identify the “methamphetamine group responsible for the crimes that are increasing here.”

Anyone with information about the Jan. 1 vandalism should contact Hemet Station at (951) 791-3400.

1 COMMENT

  1. From this article, the mom seems like a stand-up solid person doing the right thing. I will make it a point to stop by her restaurant and support her business. Also the yelp reviews for the restaurant are very good. I always crave good food after a mountain adventure.