Interview with Roy Lotz after his stolen trailer was found
Alex (The Daily Moth): Hello, Roy, the owner of Lotz of BBQ! Yesterday you shared the best news that your trailer has been found. Wow.
[Video clip of Roy Lotz in front of his trailer] Credit: Facebook/Lotz of BBQ]
Roy Lotz: I’m so thrilled it’s found. It means I can get back in business sooner than expected.
Roy Lotz: That was the best news. This news felt impossible, you know? When it was stolen, I already accepted and expected that I wouldn’t see it again. Once that trailer was hauled away…
[Video clip showing suspects stealing the trailer] Credit: Fox 7 Austin]
Roy: I thought it was done. I had some hope but I did get ready to possibly get a different trailer. But then it was found! I was shocked and I’m still in awe. Today I looked at the trailer again and it’s there. Is it a dream? Wow.
Alex: Can you share how the trailer was found?
Roy: Yes. There’s a lot behind this. What happened? Really, the Deaf community, BBQ community, and Hispanic community really helped with reaching out to me. Then it happened that an anonymous person — who wanted to keep their identity private — saw the trailer when he was driving by. He thought it was strange to see it in that area and it was suspicious. Then this person saw someone’s post of the news stories about my situation. The person remembered the place he saw the trailer and made the connection. He went back there and took pictures for me and provided the address and contact information. I was shocked and they did send pictures to confirm. It was my trailer but it had its wrapping stripped off. I was at work and I just felt an adrenaline rush. I drove there but then pulled over to call the cops. They told me that I had to go to the location and see the trailer before I could call 911. I said it was an emergency but they said no. I planned to go ahead and drive to the location, which is Elgin, Texas.
[Map showing locations of Austin and Elgin] Credit: Google Maps
Roy: As I was driving, my father called me and I pulled over. He said I was crazy for going to Elgin alone and it was unsafe. I had to calm down and I happened to see two police cars. I thought it was perfect as they could make a radio call immediately. So I approached them and gave them my case number and explained the situation. They immediately took action and found the trailer. Police then towed the trailer using a large flatbed truck. It was brought to an impound lot on Saturday. I was waiting for an update and it drove me crazy. People wanted to know and I had it in my mind that I actually have it, but it was not confirmed yet. What if it’s not my trailer and just looks alike? I did have a good feeling. The place where I made the announcement and backed up the truck was at the impound lot.
Alex: Okay, I understand.
Roy: That location is not where the stolen trailer was parked at. A man named Cesar Rocha, who always supports our community, I asked him if he could help with his truck and pull it in case. He was willing and we went to the impound lot. The trailer was there. It looked horrible. I’m glad I brought Cesar’s truck because it’s heavy duty. My truck is not heavy duty and the trailer’s brake line was cut off. That means my truck wouldn’t be strong enough to pull it and stop. Cesar’s truck could pull it. When I inspected the trailer, I found a lot of things damaged. It didn’t look good. It was very messy inside. The oven’s knobs were damaged. The ovens were supposed to be tied down before any trips. Whenever I parked it, I would take the ties off because I’d be using it and then put them back on before driving off. So the thieves took it away without the ties and it caused equipment to topple all over the place. It wasn’t tied down. The things hit each other and got damaged. I hope insurance will cover some of it and if not, that’s where the GoFundMe comes in to help with replacing and other equipment costs.
Alex: Any ideas on who the two thieves are?
Roy: I still have no idea who they are. I talked with a detective and asked for clues. They said they are still in a hunt to find them. They took fingerprints and they want to talk with the anonymous person. So I will have to ask him for permission to share information with detectives. I’m sure he will, hopefully, so the thieves won’t do it again. Honestly, no one deserves that. Many people with trailers have gone through this. It was truly horrible and traumatic. It took a hit on my mental health. Even though it is found, I’m struggling to let it go and go back to reality.
Alex: Wow. I hope the thieves will be found and face consequences.
Roy: Yes, I hope they are caught and face it and learn to not do that again.
Alex: I saw your vlog where you thanked Cesar Rocha and the Deaf Task Force. Do you mind explaining how they helped you?
Roy: Yes. Cesar offered help. The Task Force is the Deaf group that Cesar helped out with. I’m really impressed with the Task Force. They went to various locations and took pictures. They shook up things. They asked me if this or that trailer was mine. I got goosebumps at how they did all this on a volunteer basis and on their own time. Steve Turner is who led the Task Force. It’s really cool and I hope they continue to do this and maybe someday I can become involved and give back somehow.
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Alex: There is now over $33,000 raised on your GoFundMe.
[Screenshot of GoFundMe. Photo credit: Monica Bartels Photography]
Alex: What does it mean to you?
Roy: The donations mean a lot to me. It shows me that you care about me, want me to grow, and to see me rise even higher and stronger. That’s how I feel.
Alex: I’m sure you’ve seen some comments that you should have put in AirTags or a GPS tracker or a hitch lock. It’s normal to have that hindsight. But going forward, what will you do to prevent it from happening again?
Roy: Yes, going forward, I must have a top-quality hitch lock. Thanks to Cesar Rocha, who knows a lot about trailers, he gave me plenty of tips on a hitch lock. It’s important because if I get a $300 or $400 lock, it’s unbreakable. As for the AirTags, I was recommended to put two or three devices and hide them in the trailer. I already ordered them and it’s on the way.
Alex: Thank you so much, Roy, and I’m really happy you found your trailer! Good luck with the future and your process with recovery and all the equipment repairs. Looking forward to seeing you go back 100%. 101% or 110%.
Roy: 1,000%!