In a shocking turn of events, a Tacoma food truck owner has been left reeling after his prized possession was stolen right from behind a Masonic Lodge in Parkland, Washington. The incident, captured on surveillance footage, has left the owner, Terry Hayes, with no choice but to temporarily close his mobile business, "The Man BBQ." As the authorities work tirelessly to track down the culprits, the community rallies to support the devastated entrepreneur, hoping for the safe return of the stolen vehicle.

A Devastating Blow to a Thriving Local Business

The Theft Unfolds

The theft occurred on October 22nd, while Hayes was on vacation with his wife. Unbeknownst to him, two individuals had been scoping out the Dryer Masonic Center on 134th Street South in Parkland throughout the day, according to Joseph Clark, a Shriner with the center. "Our cameras caught the whole thing," Clark revealed, providing the crucial surveillance footage that captured the brazen theft.The footage shows the thieves arriving in a white truck and then successfully gaining access to Hayes' food truck, driving off with it. Fortunately, they did not take the smoker that was attached to the trailer, but the loss of the food truck itself has been a devastating blow to the business owner.

The Aftermath and Impact

"I would really like my truck back," Hayes told FOX 13 Seattle, expressing his heartbreak over the incident. The food truck, which cost him around $50,000, was not only a significant investment but also the backbone of his thriving business. "I've also lost some jobs because of it. That's about $2,500 per job," he lamented, highlighting the immediate financial impact on his operations.Despite the setback, Hayes remains resilient, stating that he can still continue his catering services through online orders. However, the temporary closure of his mobile business has undoubtedly disrupted his operations and left him in a precarious position.

The Community's Response

The Dryer Masonic Center, where the theft took place, has been incredibly supportive of Hayes, according to the owner. "The lodge has been really helpful," he said, acknowledging the assistance and cooperation they have provided during this challenging time.The community at large has also rallied behind Hayes, with both him and the Masons hoping that someone who spots the distinctive food truck, with its "The Man BBQ" logo and Seahawks branding, will contact the Pierce County Sheriff's Office to aid in the investigation.

The Ongoing Investigation

The Pierce County Sheriff's Office has the surveillance footage and is actively working to track down the individuals responsible for the theft. As the investigation continues, the authorities are urging the public to be on the lookout for the stolen food truck, which is a crucial piece of evidence in their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.The loss of the food truck has been a significant setback for Hayes, but his determination to overcome this challenge and restore his business to its former glory is evident. With the support of the community and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, there is hope that the stolen vehicle will be recovered, and Hayes can resume his successful mobile BBQ operations.