Search continues for Burger Box hit-and-run suspect 

Update - 8/4/26

Police said Sunday after 5:00 p.m., the vehicle's registered owner called dispatch, claiming that a 22-year-old male “cousin” had taken his 2024 Chevy pickup without permission.

The vehicle, now in the owner's possession, was processed by officers, and the owner was interviewed.

The case remains under investigation as officers continue to gather information related to the incident.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help support the restaurant's road to reopening. Click here if you would like to make a donation.

Original Report 8/3/26

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) - The search continues tonight for the car suspected of driving into Indio's Burger Box restaurant early Sunday morning. 

Video footage released by the restaurant shows a white truck driving into the iconic landmark before fleeing the scene. 

Owner Anthony Ruiz says he received a call around 7:50 a.m. about the crash. When he arrived, a police officer told him the incident was a hit-and-run, and the driver and vehicle were no longer at the scene.

The restaurant was quickly boarded up as the business began assessing the damage.

The timing is especially difficult for Ruiz and his family. Burger Box was just 10 days away from celebrating its one-year anniversary since reopening.

The Indio Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department's non-emergency line at 760-391-4051.

Owner Anthony Ruiz says he got a call around 7:50 Sunday morning telling him a vehicle crashed into the resturant.

"We got some footage from a nearby tire shop. They, you know, it's pretty sad to see the footage. We're hoping it was some crazy, accident or, you know, who knows what happened," Ruiz says.

Ruiz also says he grateful no one was inside at the time, adding that the outcome could have been much worse.

"To the person responsible. I wish you healing. I wish you, nothing but love and peace. we definitely hope that this doesn't happen again, so that justice is made and prevent this from happening in the future," Ruiz says.