CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A Cape Coral arborist who has been in business for almost a year had an estimated $8,000 worth of equipment stolen when it fell from the tailgate of his truck.

Dan Hudock was driving down Santa Barbara Boulevard when he said he saw his tree-cutting gear fall off.

“By the time I could turn around and get back to where it fell out, ninety percent of my stuff was missing,” Hudock recalled.

Three chains and his bag of climbing gear were gone. Hudock said there was a long list of gear inside his bag, including spikes, saddle, climbing lines and mechanical devices for climbing.

The incident is not only hurting Hudock — but also his employees as they are now left without work until Hudock can replace his gear. 

“I mean I can’t do what I do and I can’t help people,” said Hudock.

Hudock tries to give back to the community as much as he can as a veteran. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Iraq from 2005 to 2008.

“I help a lot of veterans in the community that can’t afford to have work done on their home, people on fixed income, retirees,” Hudock explained.

Hudock filed a police report and hopes his gear will be found. He said he will not press charges if someone comes forward and returns his equipment.