A suspected train burglar fired a handgun at a BNSF police officer in Devore, California, on Monday evening, forcing a northbound freight train to stop in the Summit Valley area and triggering a multi-agency search that ended with no suspects in custody, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
Railroad police encountered several people near rail cars beside Cajon Boulevard and Keenbrook Road and tried to deter the activity, the sheriff's department reported. During that confrontation, one person fired a handgun; the BNSF officer escaped injury. The train continued through Cajon Pass after the gunfire before stopping in the Summit Valley area, where deputies and BNSF officers established a perimeter around the equipment. Sheriff's Aviation and specialized personnel joined the response.
Incident Timeline and Response
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department released its public advisory Tuesday, Aug. 11, stating that deputies and California Highway Patrol officers responded around 6:04 p.m. Monday to a call concerning reported gunfire near Cajon Boulevard and Keenbrook Road. Officials classified the matter under California Penal Code 245, which covers assault with a weapon. The Rural Crimes Task Force now leads case 012601915, and detectives continue investigating; officials list all suspects as unknown.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday, 6:04 p.m. | Deputies and CHP respond to reported gunfire near Cajon Boulevard and Keenbrook Road |
| Monday evening | Railroad police encounter people near rail cars; suspect fires handgun at BNSF officer |
| After gunfire | Northbound freight train continues through Cajon Pass, stops in Summit Valley |
| Monday evening | Perimeter established; Sheriff's Aviation and specialized personnel join response |
| Tuesday, Aug. 11 | Sheriff's department issues advisory; Rural Crimes Task Force takes over case 012601915 |
Search teams examined railcars authorities believed burglars had entered. Deputies checked nearby vehicles and questioned people in the surrounding area, but the department said every contact lacked a connection to the incident and investigators found no suspects. No county deputy or BNSF police officer suffered harm, and the department did not release descriptions of the people involved.
Stolen Merchandise Confirmed
In response to follow-up questions from FreightWaves, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department confirmed merchandise was stolen. "Merchandise was taken from the train," the department wrote. Investigators have not determined the amount taken or the number of suspects. The agency said it had no images available.
The Sheriff's Rural Crimes Task Force has assumed responsibility for the investigation. Detectives have not announced arrests, and officials have not identified the missing merchandise. Case updates may change those details.
Implications for Freight Operations
Rail-car burglaries can turn dangerous when employees confront suspects, and freight professionals need clear escalation procedures after a security breach, according to FreightWaves' reporting. The Devore incident shows that a routine security check can escalate to gunfire, with the train ultimately stopped and searched before being cleared.
Anyone with information can contact the task force:
- Call the Rural Crimes Task Force at 909-387-8400
- Call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006 for anonymous tips
- Submit tips online through the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department portal
The investigation remains open with all suspects unknown, and the confirmed theft of merchandise from a freight train demonstrates that rail-car burglaries can escalate to violence. For freight professionals, the need for clear escalation procedures after a security breach — as highlighted by FreightWaves' reporting — is a direct takeaway from this incident.
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