'Fell to my knees': Thieves steal young business owner's work truck and tools

GRESHAM, Ore. -- Aaron Martinez, a 20-year-old business owner, is facing significant challenges after the theft of his truck, trailer, and essential equipment for his lawn care and maintenance business. Martinez found his belongings missing on Monday morning when he discovered that his pickup truck, parked near his home on Northeast 5th Street, had been stolen along with a trailer filled with thousands of dollars in tools.

“I practically fell to my knees at that point,” said Martinez about the traumatic discovery. He has invested years of hard work into building his business, which he started at just 12 years old using used tools and working out of his mother's sedan. The stolen tools included expensive equipment like Ryobi brand saws, a carpenter drill, and various lawn care implements.

After filing a police report, Martinez received some hope when authorities recovered his truck about a mile away, although the trailer and tools remained missing. “If he could get his trailer back that would just be great,” voiced Gresham Police Officer Jarom Sweazey, who remembers Martinez as a dedicated student with entrepreneurial ambitions when he served as a resource officer at Centennial High School.

In response to his situation, Martinez has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds for a new trailer and tools. He expressed appreciation for the community support he has received during this tough time. “I haven't felt this sense of community ever, I don't think,” he said.

Martinez is eager to return to work and prefers to connect with potential clients instead of solely relying on donations. “Maybe consider hiring us for some work—I would honestly prefer that over donations,” he added, demonstrating his strong commitment to his business and community.