Local chef was preparing to put Beltway Bistro truck on the road before theft

Montgomery County police are asking for the public’s help as they search for a food truck that was stolen from a location on Brookville Road in Silver Spring.

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The truck, discovered missing Monday, has ‘Turner’s Beltway Bistro’ emblazoned on both sides.

Police have not released any information on possible suspects, but the victim is a local chef who was just about to launch his business.

James Turner has been in the restaurant industry. for 30 years and says he was ready to start working for himself. 

"I just don’t know how you could take someone’s livelihood like that," James Turner said.

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According to Turner, he invested $50,000 in getting the food truck ready to go.

"I was hoping to be in operation within the next two weeks so I could start paying back the loan," Turner told FOX 5.

He had just gotten his health inspection and paperwork finished. On Monday, he discovered the vehicle was missing when he took a potential staffer over to see it.

"You almost get that feeling of like a drop in your stomach," he said.

Turner says the truck was stolen some time between Sunday afternoon and Monday afternoon.

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Montgomery County Police put out an alert on Tuesday.

"It’s unfortunate it happened at this time, it’s unfortunate it happened at all," said police spokeswoman Shiera Goff. "He was just getting going with his business."

If you have information, call police at (240) 773-6710 or Crime Solvers 1-866-411-TIPS.