Authorities in California's High Desert recovered more than $123,000 in Brooks running shoes after a suspected BNSF Railway boxcar burglary, according to FreightWaves.
Incident details
FreightWaves reported that San Bernardino County deputies found two abandoned vans while traveling toward Ludlow on Aug. 22. BNSF Railway Police had requested assistance after a train made an emergency stop nearby. Authorities had noticed three vehicles near the train under suspicious circumstances, according to the article.
Deputies inspected both vans and discovered numerous boxes inside each vehicle. BNSF Police confirmed the boxes came from the boxcar, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announcement. The recovered merchandise was identified as Brooks running shoes, valued at more than $123,000.
The incident occurred near Ludlow and Daggett, communities along National Trails Highway in the High Desert of San Bernardino County, California. The sheriff's department did not identify the train's origin or destination, and officials did not describe how the boxes left the railcar, FreightWaves noted.
The sheriff's department stated:
Deputies inspected the vans, discovering numerous boxes inside each of them. Upon examination, BNSF Police confirmed the boxes contained were from the boxcar. — San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
Investigation status
As of publication, no suspects have been identified and no arrests have been announced, according to FreightWaves. The owners of the abandoned vehicles were not named. The announcement does not state whether deputies recovered all missing merchandise, FreightWaves reported. The investigation remains open.
FreightWaves requested comment from BNSF Railway but had not received a response by publication. The outlet also requested additional information from BNSF Railway Police and said it would update the story if officials respond.
Anyone with information can contact Sheriff's Dispatch at 760-956-5001. Anonymous callers can call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006, or use the sheriff's department's online reporting option.
| Incident detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of discovery | Aug. 22 |
| Location | Near Ludlow and Daggett, San Bernardino County, California |
| Recovered merchandise | Brooks running shoes |
| Estimated value | More than $123,000 |
| Vehicles found | Two abandoned vans |
| Vehicles seen near train | Three |
| Train stop | Emergency stop |
| Responding agencies | San Bernardino County deputies, BNSF Railway Police |
| Suspects | Not identified |
| Arrests | None announced |
Why it matters
FreightWaves noted that rail theft can move high-value freight out of the supply chain before a shipper, buyer or carrier identifies the loss. This case shows how quickly merchandise can leave rail equipment and enter vehicles on the ground. Fast reporting and coordination between railroad police and local law enforcement can improve recovery efforts, according to the article.
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