Food-truck slaying: Killers remain on loose
The men who killed a 65-year-old foodtruck worker during anattempted robbery remained on the loose Monday. The crime has shaken Central Florida’s food-truck community, but workers say it won’t prevent them from pursuing their livelihoods.
Mireya Maria Alvarado was working at The Arepera Solita truck that was parked in front of The Window Tinting Shop on E. Colonial Drive near Semoran Boulevard, when she was shot and killed early Sunday, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
“We’re an easy moving target with cash. You have to think about it,” said Thomas Ward, owner of the Treehouse Truck. “I figured this sort of thing would happen sooner or later.”
Ward said he takes precautions, such as, “we never take cash home ... there are two, perhaps three people working together.”
“I took the class to get a gun permit, but that’s just a loaded situation,” he said. “The moment you carry a gun you feel like you can shoot it.”
The truck where Alvarado worked has become a makeshift memorial where grievers have placed flowers, candles and notes to the slain woman.
Deputies say two male suspects were seen running from the truck after the shooting. Investigators think the suspects were attempting to rob the victim.
On Monday, some food-truck owners and workers said they avoid the late-night hours as a matter of caution.
“We have never been a truck that attempted to serve the late-night crowd or bar scene,” said Kurt Andreaus, owner of Monsta Lobsta. “Some basic guidelines for us is to always do events with other trucks, whenever possible have two people working and no solo late-night locations.”
Hours after the fatal shooting Sunday, truck owners who meet for the monthly food-truck bazaar at Orlando Fashion Square mall, gathered money to donate to Alvarado’s family. It’s unclear how much money was raised.
“People forget howhard people work to make a living,” said Joey Conicella of the Yum Yum Cupcake truck. “We have never been interested in late-night opportunities because of the risks that can come with it.”
“For the most part we still feel safe and hope this tragic incident won’t affect the local industry,” Jae You, owner of the Korean BBQ Taco Box, said Monday. “We used to do late night, but we don’t do that anymore. We have had such success at larger food-truck events and parking in well-lighted places in east Orlando.”
Jenn Mountain, co-owner of Thebatter Bowl Truck, said the killing has “shaken” the food-truck community.
“It’s a wake-up call for us all to be more aware of our surroundings and take proper precautions to make sure that our trucks are secure at all times,” she said. “The Batter Bowl typically only attends events that have multiple trucks present so that we can watch out for each other.”
Investigators have released little information about the fatal shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 407-423-8477.