Iconic Wagon Wheel BBQ Vandalized in Eagle Pass, Police Seek Suspect

Eagle Pass woke to unsettling news on January 2, 2025, as four local businesses along Del Rio Boulevard were vandalized, with one also burglarized. Among the affected establishments was the beloved Wagon Wheel BBQ, a restaurant celebrated not just in Eagle Pass but across Texas and beyond. Known as a reigning champion in Eagle Pass BBQ, Wagon Wheel has been recognized in Texas’ top 50 BBQ spots, featured on KSAT 12’s Texas Eats, and highlighted by countless foodie influencers. The restaurant recently expanded internationally with a location in Piedras Negras, Mexico.

According to my sources within the Eagle Pass Police Department, Wagon Wheel BBQ sustained significant property damage during the incident. Surveillance footage captured images of the suspect, who also targeted Dollar General, The Cup, and Chance & Lee’s Pizza. Chance & Lee’s Pizza faced additional losses when the suspect forced entry into their building, resulting in a burglary.

The Wagon Wheel staff expressed heartbreak over the incident. One employee told me, “This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a symbol of Eagle Pass pride. People come from all over to try our food. Seeing this kind of attack is personal for everyone who loves Wagon Wheel.”

The vandalism has shaken the local community, particularly given Wagon Wheel’s prominent role as a culinary icon and its contributions to the local economy. The restaurant has long been a source of pride, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond to experience its renowned barbecue.

The incidents occurred in the early morning hours, according to police reports. My source confirmed that the suspect caused damage to all four businesses before fleeing. Surveillance footage from one of the locations shows a clear image of the individual, prompting the Eagle Pass Police Department to seek public assistance.

Detective Esmeralda Lopez, leading the investigation, stressed the importance of community cooperation in identifying the suspect. “These businesses are a vital part of our town, and we need the public’s help to ensure justice is served,” she said. Residents are encouraged to contact Detective Lopez at (830) 773-9044, extension 2053, if they have any information.

Eagle Pass Police Statement

While Wagon Wheel BBQ has garnered much of the attention due to its national acclaim, the vandalism and burglary have also impacted other businesses, including Dollar General, The Cup, and Chance & Lee’s Pizza. Each of these establishments plays an important role in the daily lives of Eagle Pass residents, and the damage has raised concerns about business safety and security.

Community members have expressed frustration and sadness over the incidents, but also solidarity with the affected businesses. “Wagon Wheel is more than a restaurant; it’s part of who we are as a town. We’ll rally behind them and the others to show that Eagle Pass won’t tolerate this,” one resident told me.

Eagle Pass Resident

Law enforcement officials emphasized that the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to deter crime. My source within the department noted that increasing patrols, enhancing surveillance systems, and ensuring strong consequences for offenders are critical to protecting local businesses.

Despite the damage, Wagon Wheel BBQ and the other affected businesses remain resilient. They are determined to overcome this setback and continue serving the community that has supported them through the years. For the people of Eagle Pass, showing support for these establishments is not just about patronizing their services—it’s about reinforcing the values of community pride, resilience, and hard work.

If you have any information regarding the vandalism and burglary incidents, please contact the Eagle Pass Police Department. With community support, these businesses can recover and justice can prevail, sending a clear message that Eagle Pass stands united against criminal acts.