Texas restaurant owner says police arrested suspect who stole his pit trailer

[@NunYa953]

Says alot about the police that victims need to solve their own crimes.

[@stepht5]

For theft it’s always been that way, at least with the FTW police department

[@theresamariegoesplaces9688]

The police are revenue generators for the state - They are there to serve and protect the rich, not the rest of us

[@BootLegJustice]

Oh come on, FortWorth Police are far too busy harassing and arresting people recording them to worry about thieves!

[@bobroberts2371]

So if police came to you and said " We want to put cameras on your house " , would you agree to that?

[@glyndawaters813]

FTW police=worthless

[@gordy7877]

Had to publicly shame the police into doing their job... smh

[@ab75901]

Cops don’t care unless there stealing our money and violating rights.

[@sennensands810]

Yupper didnt forget about this guys story..Think this would of been same outcome if he didnt talk to the news ? Always good to put compannies and public servants on blast..motivates them to do the right thing.. Or gets the atttenion of the higher ups.

[@t.thompson8985]

Seriously.

[@cathyshappyr]

Can't shame the police for not doing their job, it's this administration that's allowing unlawful things to happen, and letting them get away with criminal activities scot-free. Shameful 🏖️😎

[@doyeworrell1680]

These trailers are not cheap, it’s a huge investment for the owners, I’m so glad he recovered his trailer. I hope they arrest everyone involved in these thefts, it definitely sounds like a network of thieves were involved.

[@pepsilove6306]

same thing happens in the lawncare industry there I live, people go around stealing our trailers with our equipment and it sucks. one of my competitors im friends with, someone made off with his trailer and over 30k worth of lawn equipment on it and he had a gps tracker on it and the police wouldnt even go out there. Police told him to let the insurance and detectives handle it even tho he knew exactly where it was. They wouldnt help him go pick it up. My crew and two other lawncare company crews ended up showing up 10 dudes deep to keep an eye on him while he picked up his own trailer. its stupid that law enforcement has gotten so lazy.

[@doyeworrell1680]

@V.P.N..... They probably have insurance but if they file a claim the premiums cold skyrocket or they might even get canceled. It’s tight for small businesses to make a profit and every dollar they spend on expenses, like insurance, rent, electricity etc. really adds up. If you file a 30k insurance claim, you can bet your premiums just increased.

[@joseh3564]

VPN: No. It's just basic math. You cannot stay in business if you dont watch the spending.

[@NanaWilson-px9ij]

They also can't work without their equipment. The insurance won't have them resupplied in a day, it takes time. They will loose clients, not just a few days of work.

[@Citizenesse8]

That restaurant owner is doing the work that the police should have done. This was a slam dunk crime with surveillance for days. Shame on the police and I'm not surprised.

[@markrouse2416]

Some owners are not doing their part by not making it more difficult for thieves to make off with their trailers. No GPS, no locking device ont he hitch, rims, ect.. Why should the police help those that don't help themselves.

[@Citizenesse8]

@@markrouse2416 Reading, comprehension, and listening skills are fundamental. It would be beneficial to you to go back and read the articles on the story, listen to the vids on the story while actively listening, and pay close attention. This business owner handed this case over to the police with clear proof and reported the crime right away. He is doing thorough and fundamental investigatory work that the police should have done automatically at a baseline. The police dropped the ball and continue to do so. Is patently clear but there are more victims and that the other business owner is complicit.

[@zachlovescats95]

Apparently it was a cafe that police liked to frequent.

[@Citizenesse8]

@@zachlovescats95 it's not that great of a cafe. It's just been around for a while and it's inexpensive. That's it. The food isn't good at all.

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

@@markrouse2416Many steal or have their own equipment stolen so they can file an insurance claim.

[@francisgill1929]

thumbs up to this guy, this is the way you do it, he did not just give up like the others, as the person wrote in the comment = says a lot about the police when victims need to solve their own crimes,, that why it will not stop and the criminals know that

[@mikekins6545]

This victim did more work investigating his theft than the law enforcement did. Tell me again why are we paying these people.😮

[@deeanthony7713]

Exactly! About time someone said it! It must be, like this, all over Texas. I know one thing though....CAMS CAMS CAMS....PROOF PROOF PROOF!!!!!!!! THANK YOU, to everyone who has cams! I sure do!

[@FIRSTLAST-xd6rn]

you libs wanted the police defunded. Fort Worth is high crime and filled with (people of the same kind like Obama) so they are stretched thin

[@BabyJesus66]

ACAB

[@strandedpirate6346]

You're paying them so that they can solve the big things, like giving you a ticket when your 5 miles over the speed limit.

[@deeanthony7713]

@@strandedpirate6346 TRUE!

[@7arsenal]

Who’s the cafe owner? I think it’s important to know in order to watch out for him.

[@stepht5]

In the original interview, when his trailer was first stolen, he names the cafe - Day Break Cafe on White Settlement

[@BootLegJustice]

Why, you going to steal from restaurants?

[@babybubba527]

His name is Mario

[@HMuny55]

@@BootLegJustice They steal everything and resell it or take it to Mexico. It's a huge thing if youre anywhere in Texas. It's normal for dozens of cars to be stolen every week and you will never get them back, theyre in Mexico within 2 days.

[@Caderic]

@@stepht5 Makes me wonder if they are affiliated with the mechanic shop, DayBreak Auto, next door. The property is owned by the same person/people.

[@sherrypeck4062]

I admire this man in that he is honest and moral! We need more people like him, hard working and puts the effort in to help other restaurants….

[@ongog.8701]

This man needs to run for public office.

[@mrscrappz1063]

woah, i remember this story. I didn't expect to hear about this again, lol

[@Mark-uv6sm]

Yes that's what the news media wants, publish then don't do a follow up

[@kittenpawsbb]

This Man is Amazing. He solved the mystery of his stolen property and many others in the neighborhood. God bless him and his business 👍🏽👏🏽😌🙏🏽⚖️🌟🕊️

[@itsablessingbeinganamerica1401]

He's more proactive than some law enforcement officers

[@daviddiehl-gy2sq]

Police are involved, take matters into your own hands. The scrapyard next door to the restaurant is owned by the same person.

[@tomintexas817]

I agree we need to watch out for each other more

[@johnburdin4584]

Glad that these punks finally got caught!

[@Caderic]

It's only one person that has been arrested.

[@only1muppet]

The ones that stole it are grown men and one of the suspects owns the cafe where it was found at. Not exactly “punks” 😂

[@Sacred_Fire]

Thugs.

[@Vinsternator40]

@@Cadericone person who will most likely get a plea deal if they flip on any of the other accomplices

[@Blue-Dog]

Would love to hear an interview with the lazy police responsible for investigating this case.

[@Twheelie]

All of FWPD

[@elainaross3855]

AWESOME! I WAS HOPING YOU WOULD GET SOME COVERAGE ON THIS FOR JUSTICE!

[@romad275]

Sounds like the local yokel cops are either incompetent or are being paid off.

[@jimmy999-z2j]

Lazy and overpaid

[@only1muppet]

I second the lazy vote

[@markbanks4738]

They just don’t care

[@keithhampton9700]

Daybreak gives Cops free meals.🤔🤨

[@ting1084]

paid off

[@flyinwalenda]

How about going to the Daybreak Café and conducting an interview ?

[@EdFredHernandez]

I've been wondering the same thing since the beginning, why don't the reporters go to the Daybreak Cafe, at least try to interview the owner, are people afraid of this Daybreak Cafe guy for some reason?

[@joshainsw]

He ain't around there anymore.

[@staciesstuff2]

Why are the police being so shady about this

[@morganbrickwall7902]

Police are almost worthless when it comes to investigating crime. I had a 16' trailer stolen from a lot I own. I became an expert at identifying trailer makers from a distance. Three years almost to the day I found my stolen trailer in yard of a property located directly behind my property where the trailer was stolen. I had to pay for towing and impound because Police refused to release the trailer to me because the thief had ground off the vin. A State Police officer later positively identified it from serial numbers on the axles. When impounded it had a stolen golf cart and a BBQ pit trailer on it which was also impounded. The thief was never charged for theft of the trailer, golf cart or BBQ trailer

[@frankmckinley1254]

A bunch of crooks that may have a cop as a friend, or why aren't the perps being charged.

[@GoogleSpyZon]

A lot of district attorneys who accepted incredibly large campaign contributions in exchange for not prosecuting certain crimes.

[@JesusSavedMe2016]

The cops may be involved, the DA even… sounds like this might be a bigger story than this restaurant owner ever imagined but God chose to use him for a reason. He seems honest, hard working, and responsible. God will have his back 😊

[@pisathongsonlone3935]

Cuz the perps are also preps to the people in charge

[@ghostmantagshome-er6pb]

a hard working American

[@2vette]

He's not a American

[@teddyperkins3406]

@@2vetteyouve seen his birth certificate?

[@2vette]

Tell me about some Real Americans

[@tonycruise]

@@2vettean american* learn the language of the land please

[@m.a.nugent8278]

I am so glad you were able to help catch these guys. I sure hope he is charged with the theft of your property and the thefts of all the other cases. $30,000 is an awful lot of money to lose. I hope all of you victims have full insurance on your stolen property.

[@deeanthony7713]

THAT, my friend is THE problem! IF a person has insurance and FULL COVERAGE insurance, then the cops will bend over backwards, FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANY....NOT for you, the owner!

[@Joel.Lehtinen]

Great follow up, now I wanna hear from the guy who got the 30,000 food truck stolen that reached out to you

[@Trag3dyInV3nus]

I’ve been following this story from Washington State. I’ve been waiting to hear more about this.

[@MaxCastles]

I had a car stolen once and LAPD found it then impounded it for two weeks before sending a letter saying it's been impounded and I could go pay almost $2000 to get it back. Fine police work there.

[@knerduno5942]

Did you vote Democrat?

[@ricardofierro7041]

@@knerduno5942 WHAT does who a person voted for have anything to do with this ??? Maybe knerduno you can help me with this problem, I went to a service station bathroom to do a #2 , I later found out that there wasn’t any toilet paper available . DO I CONTACT A REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT, To complain ?

[@knerduno5942]

Police in Democrat run areas seem to not enforce the law.@@ricardofierro7041

[@austinpittman1599]

​@@knerduno5942You gonna ask someone if they voted Republican if they told you they lost a son in Iraq?

[@aneececolt]

it's like when Lebowski asked the LAPD at the impound lot if they had any leads.

[@leshanjordan1584]

Cleveland, Ohio here Even tho im not from the DFW area. I was invested in this story from the beginning & just as angry. WFAA Thanks again!

[@joseh3564]

Amen! Watching from Tampa, Florida, and feel the same way. May God bless the BBQ restaurant owner and local media for covering this story. It resonates everywhere.

[@MudBuddy55]

Thanks WFAA. Watching from Sanford, North Carolina. Next time I’m in the DFW area I plan to head over and eat at this place. From what I read online this place looks very good.

[@TOOMUCHSAUCE91]

Whoever does a crime like this is obviously somebody who's been studying you and your movements. It was not random at all

[@ShawnD1027]

I live in Georgia, but my son and his family are in Dallas. I'm definitely trekking over to Panther City the next time I'm out there!

[@joshuastanton6731]

Throw these guys in jail for this crap. This is a hard working man trying to run a business.

[@niveknospmoht8743]

Too bad the public has to do police work to get any action taken, otherwise it probably could have ended up in the unsolved circular file

[@patriciau6277]

Sounds like you got some cops on the take.

[@coppervixen33]

Been following this story,. And so glad SOMETHING has been done. Even tho he had to do it on his own. If he hadnt gone to social media, I fear it would have been like the other guys with all the footage and no suppurt from the law.

[@wookinc9952]

1000's of tickets given out everyday and this guy has to do his own POLICING!!! FTP

[@jasonmurdoch9936]

💯

[@josephblow]

Police get money off of tickets. They don't get squat for recovering stolen goods. Plus criminals have guns.

[@butterfinger1171]

Not enough profit in it for the police.

[@t.thompson8985]

Bingo.

[@IceLynne]

The ONLY reason the Police finally got off their asses is because the news covered it!

[@David53D]

Fantastic investigation too bad the cops are so inept.

[@bobroberts2371]

If police said " We want to put cameras on your house " , would you agree to that?

[@evansusmc]

@@bobroberts2371 copied and pasted that comment huh? I smell a bot.

[@GoogleSpyZon]

Bless there hearts, you have video evidence and thats not enough? Is the District Attorney from Dallas? What a fail....

[@Sgt.k]

Too bad the people who get paid to solve crimes aren’t as good at their jobs as this victim is at doing their jobs.

[@bw4593]

So insane they had to do all the police work and insist publicly repeatedly for charges for anything to be done.

[@tucker8804]

There’s no profit in solving crimes. So,why try to solve? Isn’t it easier to hide & stop folks for speeding,busted light,tint too dark? ie. Policing for profit

[@truepatriot8751]

Great follow up.

[@vincejamison8078]

I knew that they would be caught. You were on top of it.

[@MsCalibee]

We had a full 500lb shed stolen from our side yard in broad daylight midday. In our neighborhood there is only two entry & exit points, to which two neighbors at each end have cameras, but refused to share footage. Unfortunately we didn’t have our cameras installed yet. Really sucks. But what can we do people don’t want to get involved.

[@Karii0728]

I'm so glad they're finally getting some justice. But it says alot about their local police. They literally did the bare minimum, the citizens did their own investigation!! I live in Oregon and have been invested in this story 😂

[@ShawnD1027]

I live in Georgia and have been invested in this story as well!

[@joseh3564]

Tampa, Florida, too!

[@dillonchronister4837]

Excellent journalism

[@joseh3564]

Why not show the arrest picture of the perp who was arrested? That used to always happen, but now it's about protecting criminals over law abiding, hard working citizens.

[@schanychamemphis1327]

I am very sorry you and other hard-working restaurant folks had to experience this. You seem like a fair guy. I wish you the best with getting everything back and that your business does very well.

[@LilliLamour]

I've been following this story. So happy they arrested the guy.

[@APC9906]

I’ve been waiting for this

[@franksnowboarder]

More incompetent cops NOT investigating crimes

[@steveladner4346]

Sheriff Buford T. Justice: "I'm gonna barbecue your azs in molasses'.

[@shadyganley8877]

Pulling up the pants in every video. Tells you exactly who the suspects are, but it's not like we didn't already know.

[@vicpetrishak7705]

Cops everywhere could not care any less . The cities make their money on traffic citations !

[@LeeeDay]

Right on ..i hope the perps get several years in prison

[@CG-et4gj]

Time for Fort Worth citizens to vote out the Sheriff and Mayor!

[@FCain-mf4tf]

How did they show the wrong video? That's an empty trailer, not a dual-smoker trailer.

[@ceciceci4126]

Great job of investigating your own case, SMH on the police 😤

[@govinda102000]

Has Yelp's reviews or publicity slowed business/shut down this perps restaurant?

[@drewschumann1]

A couple similarly named businesses got hammered by angry reviews. Sad.

[@WheelzGaming88]

I'm so glad to see justice was served in this case and hopefully all these local restaurant owners won't have to worry anymore about having their rigs stolen

[@cintroberts6614]

I dont blame the police. However if you really want change then have a close look at the parents that are raising the thieves. Only then will you have a chance to change what is going on because all of this behavior starts at home.

[@TomAF86]

Police don't take any kind of theft seriously

[@chrispery9002]

If they can't keep their hands off other people's property they need to lose their hands.😮😮😮

[@lovedadonald.]

Hey it's pretty sad when you have to do all the leg work to solve the crime but that being said. Im so glad you got your pit back and Im sorry you had to go through all this crap to get it. Next time im down your way I'll stop and eat with you .

[@robertallen2366]

Wonder how long before people have enough and deal with thieves themselves? Oh wait just a few days ago homeowner got his pit back after some guy decided to just roll off with it down the street, umm 🤔 ya he will NEVER steal again either!! 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@petgranny194]

I can't believe the guy is NOT charged in the Panther City theft! WTH???? Come on Ft Worth PD and DA, what more could you need - since when is video not enough? Ridiculous.

[@tonykaye969]

The owner of Day Break Cafe is definitely connected to the thieves. Some people think the Cafe is trying to get equipment together to make their own mobile food truck but it’s just a theory regardless I hope the local residents hears about this and stop supporting these people. They’re obviously jealous of the other local restaurants success.

[@alishawilliams4194]

I have followed this story since the beginning and have so much respect for the restaurant owner and the way he handled himself and this situation. Such a great job tracking the thieves and a beautiful way to come together as a community FOR the community. Hope all you guys that had pits or other items stolen find justice soon. If we're ever up in Ft. Worth, we'll definitely come by and see you guys. Best of luck!

[@luisvillarreal5262]

This guy needs to teach the LEO’s there how to investigate thefts and find the perps.

[@sadjaxx]

I have been following this story for awhile. Amazing just how little the police have done, pretty much useless. If this owner had not had the foresight to have cameras and trackers and excellent detecting skills his property would have fallen into the chop shop/property fence setup black hole.

[@SARSIPIOUS606]

Other owner has ties to PD

[@bobroberts2371]

Got proof?

[@John-gn6zx]

I thought there was smoker on trailer that they cut lock on, looked like empty trailer in video. I’m just asking.

[@I_AM_BAYTOR]

Pay attention to what they say in the video.

[@seashackf1]

Me too. That’s what I thought too after seeing the original video. He said it was customized and worth like $30k. He also said it was ready to go for a job they had that day. He even says in the video “they took my pit”. Glad they finally arrested one of the thieves at least. Hope the arrest the others involved too.

[@John-gn6zx]

I’m not watching again, I thought that it was over stealing 500 gallon smoker on a trailer?

[@I_AM_BAYTOR]

@@John-gn6zx it was. That and the trailer were recovered. They set the trailer out again as bait and recorded it. That's when the owner and driver are filmed together. You must have zoned out after the first minute.

[@builderbob4167]

He says the pit trailer was stolen on New Year's Day (1/1/24) and the video is dated 10/28/23 so it is video of another trailer theft he refers to from October.

[@mikedominguez7690]

Maybe the cops are in on it😊

[@idaslapter5987]

cops are colluding with Day Break Cafe and Auto

[@crx5555]

Love the story, love the reporting, awesome job of keeping us updated keep up the good work

[@2cartalkers]

How desperate does a person have to be to steal a pit trailer? Where do you hide it? What do you do with it? Oh, the humanity!

[@EdFredHernandez]

Or they know they can get away with it

[@NanaWilson-px9ij]

They probably have a pick list submitted by shady buyers.

[@MW-jm8qb]

Jesus Christ, this is the worst interview I’ve ever seen. So long and drawn out…. My god I thought it was going to hit the 30 min mark.

[@mariansadowski2878]

People are just horrible. Stealing from hard working people. Thank goodness this man got his stuff back This guy is a sleuth.

[@SamSam-ih6nt]

Wholesome. Thats what it is. We need to look out for each other and take care of each other. The government is only looking to protect itself, at best.

[@Hoycelolland]

Police are quit busy with all the acorns. What a shame.

[@lleavell92630]

All the more reason people should be able to protect themselves since the police can't do their job with responsibility.

[@charlenegirouard901]

At last he’s got some justice but sounds like he had to do a lot of investigating and proving on his own good luck and may the Lord Jesus bless you 🙏✝️

[@dusty8261]

No names or pictures of the THIEVES?????

[@blindjustice8718]

You can see the legs of one of the perps as they steal the trailer. No further explanation is necessary or forthcoming.

[@sadjaxx]

DayBreak Cafe and Chop Shop!

[@schanychamemphis1327]

IF I WERE TO COMMIT a crime, I definitely would wear pants that are not falling down. I need the best chance to run without tripping on my own pants!

[@snakeriverscotto]

I live way up here in Washington and I’ve been waiting to hear the conclusion of this story!

[@mikenicholson2548]

The police want the main person who is fencing the items, so they will drag their feet on an arrest because they have known for a long time whats going on. I have seen this over and over on drug cases. Its bull that their not honest with the victims. It drives me nuts.

[@V3v15c3r8]

It's funny that when the police need to work against you they are a well oiled machine but the moment you need them to help or work for you they fail spectacularly.

[@jerry_lopez]

Nothing is worse than a thief except a thief that makes your food.

[@dpspike9368]

The cops handled this the same way they handle car theft and property crimes. This needs to change.

[@jerg7942]

Anyone notice that he talks of his 30,000.00 dollar BBQ trailer and his video shows them sawing off the locks and taking it. But the trailer in the video is a dual axle equipment trailer ?

[@NanaWilson-px9ij]

Yes.

[@somanygustavosonYT]

im so glad theres an update on this

[@icewallflatearth1158]

It was only an empty $3000 trailer.. Not $30,000😂 liar..

[@LMBee00]

"Watch out for your neighbor" they might just be your neighborhood thief's partner 😠

[@CassandraV-kl4hq]

I’ve been following this story and I don’t even live in Texas! I hope y’all get justice.

[@williamhenry9705]

How is Mario Garcia's lawsuit against Magallanes going? Is DayBreak Cafe still operating as a "cafe?"

[@ting1084]

this man has a good attitude and intelligence ..,yes. run for office

[@cesarduenasduenas908]

Sounds like the suspect might be a police informant. They act untouchable, and cops never seem to "have enough to charge him."

[@flaka13lks]

This is a novela

[@kathleenmccrory9883]

Reporter's 1st day on the planet.. asking the guy why he bothered. 😑🙄

[@yarini-1]

Way to go Chris!!! As you say there's more to this than meets the eye and someone will eventually talk. If its any cafe owner he should be in prison, lose his license and be heavily fined. Accessory after the Fact and Conspiracy to deprive another of their legal livelihood .

[@ricecowboy]

I believe the other shady business involved is Daybreak Cafe & Grill off White Settlement Rd according to the prior report.