Stolen Salvation Army truck that fed homeless found in DC with suspect apprehended

Washington, D.C., police have arrested a suspect after recovering a stolen Salvation Army van used year-round every night to feed the homeless.

Salvation Army reported their “Grate Patrol Canteen” van being stolen late Saturday.

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“It saddens our hearts that someone would get to a point where they felt the need to do that, but we want to make sure we are maintaining hope and joy for people in need,” Salvation Army’s Major Todd Mason reportedly said. “So, whether it’s through our Angel Tree program that we are doing for Christmas or replacing our Grate Patrol vehicle to be able to feed people each evening, we are going to keep that spirit of hope and joy.”

Shortly after Fox 5, a local television news station, reported on Monday about the stolen van, a viewer called the news outlet with the tip that it was located near 1st Street and L Street NE in the district. The news organization then contacted the Metropolitan Police Department.

Officers responded and located the stolen van on Monday. The thief was not in the van upon arrival. Later, when the suspect “walked up and unlocked the van,” the police intervened and questioned the suspect, according to the police press release.

Michael Peete, 58, was arrested and charged with “receiving stolen property.”

The police department thanked the “eagle-eyed residents” for their help in keeping “our city safe.”

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The theft happened during one of Salvation Army’s busiest times of year and as the Grate Patrol has been responsible for feeding warm meals to the homeless even while the temperatures continue to drop to this week below freezing.

According to district police, motor vehicle thefts increased by 89% in 2023.