Thieves drill into gas tank, steal catalytic converter from nonprofit food truck

TUKWILA, Wash. — A donated food truck meant to serve Pacific Islander families is now racking up thousands of dollars in repair costs after thieves targeted the vehicle belonging to Tukwila nonprofit Oceania Northwest.

The organization serves 1,400 Pacific Islander families. In February, the White Center Food Bank offered Oceania Northwest one of its trucks after acquiring new vehicles. Joseph Seia, who runs the organization, said the vehicle quickly became a lifeline, allowing Oceania Northwest to reach families in Everett and as far as Pacific County. Seia called it a game-changer for getting fresh food to families in need.

The truck was in service for about two weeks before rising gas prices began straining the nonprofit’s limited budget. Then came the theft.

While filling the tank, Seia noticed fuel leaking from the vehicle. A closer look revealed drill holes in the gas tank. The catalytic converter had also been sawed off.

“It felt crushing. Not gonna lie,” Seia said.

The damage comes at a time when catalytic converter thefts had appeared to be giving way to other types of property crime, such as copper wire theft. Seia estimated the repairs will cost $10,000 or more — a significant blow for an organization he described as already under-resourced.

“Black, Indigenous-serving nonprofits are already small in budget,” Seia said. “So $10,000 or more is huge.”

The truck now sits out of service. Seia is applying for grants and seeking sponsorships to cover the repair costs and return the vehicle to the road.

Despite the setback, he said he remains hopeful for it to be a blessing in the future.

“I can already see it,” Seia said. “I can see it fixed. I can see us running programs effectively out of it.”