Abandoned vans lead deputies to $123K in Brooks shoes from BNSF boxcar theft

California deputies recovered more than $123,000 in Brooks running shoes after a suspected BNSF train boxcar burglary. 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.

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. Authorities identified the recovered merchandise as Brooks running shoes. The department valued the footwear at more than $123,000.

Emergency stop prompted response

The incident occurred near Ludlow and Daggett in San Bernardino County, California. Those communities sit along National Trails Highway in the High Desert. BNSF Police asked deputies to help investigate the suspected burglary after the emergency stop. Deputies then spotted two vehicles matching the description of vehicles near the rail equipment.

“Deputies inspected the vans, discovering numerous boxes inside each of them,” the sheriff’s department wrote. “Upon examination, BNSF Police confirmed the boxes contained were from the boxcar.” The announcement does not identify the train’s origin or destination. Officials also did not describe how the boxes left the railcar.

Investigation remains open

FreightWaves requested comment and additional information from BNSF Railway but had not received a response by publication. The sheriff’s department has not identified suspects or announced arrests. Authorities did not name the owners of the abandoned vehicles. The announcement does not state whether deputies recovered all missing merchandise. The investigation remains open.

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. The sheriff’s department also provided an online reporting option. FreightWaves requested additional information from BNSF Railway Police and will update this story if officials respond.

Why it matters

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.

Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.

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