NORTH SALT LAKE, Utah — During the pandemic, times are tight for many small business owners, but a North Salt Lake business has had an even bigger setback.
Someone stole the generator that powers the Bomb Dilla Quesadilla and Tater Tot food truck.
Ruben Sauyun moved to Utah from Los Angeles three years ago, and brought his cooking skills with him.
He says business had been going really well until thieves stole the life blood of his operation on Saturday, August 8.
Surveillance video captured a two-man team rolling up in a older model GMC red and white pickup truck in the middle of the afternoon.
First, they parked at a nearby business, scoping out the area to make sure no one was around.
A couple hours later they returned and snagged the $4500 generator, which had been welded and chained to the back of the truck.
“They knew what they were doing," Sauyun said. "You know it’s unfortunate but, I’m hoping that with the help of you guys, with the help of the public we can find them.”
It’s a real problem for Sauyun, who said due to the pandemic, generators like the one he needs are very tough to come by.
“I’m currently looking for the exact same one and everyone I’ve called here in Davis County, Salt Lake County, they’re on back stock until September, mid-September,” Sauyun said. “It’s unfortunate and it sucks and we’re taking a hit and we need a generator to keep our wheels going and to be able to keep working through these hard times.”
Sauyun and the police hope the video will help catch the culprits.
The red and white older model pickup truck is very recognizable and had a tool box in the back.
One of the thieves is shorter and heavyset with several tattoos on his right leg and during the theft he’s wearing a John Stockton Utah Jazz jersey.
The good news for Sauyun is that a fellow food truck operator, who shut down for the summer due to the coronavirus, is lending him a generator to get him through until he can purchase a new one.
Detectives are asking anyone who recognizes the suspects or the pickup truck to contact North Salt Lake Police at 801-298-6000.
