California deputies recovered more than $150,000 in New Balance shoes after reports of people breaking into BNSF Railroad boxcars, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, whose Barstow Station announced the recovery on Aug. 24 (FreightWaves reported). The incident — which ended with one arrest near Daggett, California — highlights how quickly rail cargo theft can move high-value inventory from a railcar into the hands of thieves.
Boxcar break-in reported near Barstow
Deputies responded to a report of people breaking into BNSF boxcars at about 7:04 a.m. Monday near westbound Interstate 40 in Daggett, an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County about 10 miles east of Barstow. While heading to the location, Barstow Station personnel spotted a vehicle matching the suspects' description. The driver headed west on I-40 before officers initiated a stop, according to the sheriff's department. The driver, later identified as Leonardo Martinez Navarre, 29, exited the vehicle and ran; officers pursued him on foot and took him into custody.
After the arrest, BNSF Police inspected the stopped vehicle. Railroad officers confirmed the merchandise came from a boxcar. The items included New Balance footwear valued above $150,000.
Suspect, victim, and investigation status
Authorities list BNSF Railroad as the victim in the cargo-theft case. Sheriff's records identify Navarre as a transient from Perris, California, a city in Riverside County southwest of the Barstow-Daggett area. Officials assigned case No. 082601378 to the investigation.
The department has not identified other people connected to the reported break-in, and authorities have not released the train's route, the shipper, or the intended destination. Investigators continue working the case, according to the announcement. The release also does not say how many people entered the boxcars.
Why rail cargo theft matters
Rail cargo theft can move high-value inventory from a railcar to a highway within minutes, according to the report. Freight professionals benefit from understanding how quickly a reported break-in can turn into a cargo-loss investigation, as FreightWaves noted. The case also underscores the coordination between local law enforcement and railroad police when a theft is reported.
| Key detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Value of recovered footwear | More than $150,000 |
| Victim | BNSF Railroad |
| Suspect | Leonardo Martinez Navarre, 29, of Perris, California |
| Incident location | Near westbound Interstate 40, Daggett, California |
| Call time | 7:04 a.m. Monday |
| Announcement date | Aug. 24 |
| Case number | 082601378 |
Watch list
The investigation remains open. The sheriff's department has not released the train's route, shipper, or final destination, and has not identified other suspects. The number of people who entered the boxcars is also undisclosed. Any of these details, when released, could shed further light on how the theft occurred and which supply chain segments were exposed. Barstow Sheriff's Station can be reached at 760-256-4838, and Sheriff Dispatch at 760-956-5001. Anonymous tipsters can text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006, or use the department's online reporting portal.
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