A recent incident in Cleveland, Ohio has left a local man without his barbeque grill and, consequently, his livelihood. In a theft that took place in the late evening, thieves were caught on surveillance video stealing a mobile barbeque grill, a critical piece of equipment for a man who had run his business for 15 years. The theft has devastated both the business owner and the surrounding community, which has rallied together to offer support.
Caught on Camera
The incident occurred on a Thursday evening around 9:30 p.m. Surveillance footage showed a group of thieves hitching the barbeque grill to a truck before driving off. This mobile grill was not just any piece of equipment; it had been used by the owner, Sammy Spain, for over 15 years. Towing the grill to various events around the Cleveland area, Spain had used it to serve his community and earn a living. The grill had become synonymous with his business, which was known for its signature phrase, “Pick it up.”
The Impact on the Business Owner
For Sammy Spain, the theft of his barbeque grill was more than just a loss of property—it meant the loss of his entire business. Spain, a well-known and beloved figure in his neighborhood, had relied on the grill to operate his business, which served food at events across the community. Without the grill, he is now left unable to continue his work. He expressed deep emotion when walking through the area where the grill had stood for years, noting the significance of what was taken from him.
The grill was the centerpiece of his operation. Without it, Spain is out of business. “The grill is a barbeque business,” Spain said. “With no grill, no barbeque business.” This sudden loss has left him uncertain about the future of his livelihood, and his disappointment was evident as he talked about how much the grill meant to him and the local community. The emotional toll of the theft was visible as Spain continued to process what this loss means for his business and future.
Community Support and Surveillance Footage
Despite the theft, Spain is not alone in his loss. The community has quickly come together in an effort to help. Business owners on Cedar Avenue, near the Cleveland Clinic, where Spain’s grill was frequently used, immediately began trying to assist by pulling surveillance footage and looking for any leads on the thieves. The community feels a strong sense of responsibility to help Spain recover what was taken, knowing how much his business contributed to the area.
The surveillance video, which shows the thieves attaching the grill to a truck and driving away, has been reviewed by community members and shared with authorities. Although the footage offers a clear picture of the crime, the identities of the thieves remain unknown. In addition to reviewing the video, neighbors and friends of Spain have also been asking around at local scrap yards, hoping to find any trace of the stolen grill. One local scrap yard reportedly offered only $25 for the grill, a small fraction of its actual value, highlighting the senselessness of the theft.
Holding on to Hope
Despite the challenges that Spain now faces, both he and his supporters remain hopeful. Spain himself has not given up, although he admits that he does not know what he will do next. “I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Spain said, adding that while this is not the end of his business, it is certainly a major setback. He referred to the theft as a “big detour in the road” for his career, but expressed hope that someone might eventually come forward with information that could help recover the grill.
Spain’s friends, neighbors, and loved ones continue to stand by him, asking around for information and looking into any possible leads. They remain optimistic that the grill will be found, though no solid evidence has surfaced as of yet. In the meantime, Spain is left to consider his next steps and hopes that his business will be able to recover from this major blow.
In the closing moments of the incident, Spain’s message was one of cautious optimism. “I got hope,” he said, even as he acknowledged the uncertainty that lies ahead. While the future of his business remains unclear, the support from his community and his own resolve give him a chance to rebuild, even in the face of this unexpected setback.
