Astoria, Ore. – A stolen work truck from Eugene is believed to be involved in an attempted robbery at Gatehouse Pizza in Pleasant Hill, prompting local authorities to search for the suspect.
The truck, a 2001 Ford F350 4X4 extended cab, was reported stolen early Wednesday morning by Christopher Lindsay, co-owner of Two Rivers Mobile Wash, a local pressure washing company. Lindsay discovered the theft after realizing his truck, which his father had driven earlier that morning, was missing.
“My first thought was, ‘Where’s the truck?'” Lindsay said. “I went to the dump and noticed it wasn’t there. My dad said he hadn’t seen it when he left for work around 4 a.m.”
While the truck wasn’t loaded with expensive equipment, it contained Lindsay’s personal handgun, which he expressed was his primary concern. He immediately contacted the Eugene Police Department (EPD) to report the firearm, fearing it could be used irresponsibly.
Days of searching yielded no significant leads, until a crucial break in the case emerged on Saturday morning. Surveillance footage from Gatehouse Pizza in Pleasant Hill captured the stolen truck backing into the side of the restaurant, causing substantial damage. According to restaurant owner Aaron Simmons, the truck collided with a wall containing an ATM, shifting the structure and damaging ceiling supports.
“It hit this wall and shifted this whole wall over,” Simmons explained. “It buckled some of our ceiling supports, and it’s going to cost about $10,000 in damages.”
Despite the significant damage, Simmons reassured the public that Gatehouse Pizza would remain open for business in the coming week, serving the community as usual.
Lindsay, who has continued to receive reports about his truck’s potential whereabouts, expressed growing concern over the suspect’s actions. With the truck linked to a potential robbery attempt and a firearm possibly in the thief’s possession, Lindsay stressed the urgency of locating the individual before any further crimes are committed.
The stolen truck is easily identifiable by its multiple Two Rivers Mobile Wash decals and its Oregon license plate. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Eugene Police Department or the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.
As of now, the suspect remains at large, and the investigation continues.
