Five men traveled through Southern California as law enforcement closed in. Among them was Angel Castro, whom investigators linked to Monday’s shooting at a BNSF officer. Detectives searched the vehicle and found equipment used to burglarize rail cars. The stop followed a two-day inquiry that began with gunfire from a moving freight train.
The Sheriff’s Department announced the arrests Thursday morning. Authorities identified the 21-year-old as the suspected gunman. He faces attempted murder, cargo theft and conspiracy allegations. Four accused coconspirators also remain in custody.
Task force members conducted an operation along the rail corridor at approximately 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. San Bernardino police helped locate the group traveling through the city. The team stopped their car and detained every occupant. A subsequent examination uncovered rail-burglary tools, according to the agency.
Attempted-murder warrant leads to Castro
Detectives obtained an attempted-murder warrant after linking him to the shooting. That determination followed Monday’s confrontation near Cajon Boulevard and Keenbrook Road in Devore. The gunfire erupted around 6:04 p.m. after BNSF personnel encountered possible rail-car burglars. One person discharged a handgun toward a railway officer as employees tried to deter the activity.
The northbound freight train continued to Summit Valley before stopping farther along the route. Deputies established a perimeter while aviation crews searched from above. The Specialized Enforcement Division examined cars that participants may have entered. The first response produced no arrests.
FreightWaves reported Wednesday that someone took merchandise, but officials had not calculated its value. Investigators still lacked a participant count. The arrest update names five men without identifying recovered goods. The agency continues examining the case.
Four other men face cargo-theft charges
Authorities identified Jorge Sarmiento Ochoa, 31, as Castro’s accused coconspirator. They also named Miguel Humberto Grajeda Carrizos, 24, and Jesus Jose Grajeda, 25. Another suspect is Cesar Geovanny Grajeda Medina, 22. Officers arrested each on suspicion of conspiracy, cargo theft and possessing burglary tools.
The sheriff’s release described every defendant as a Mexican national. Deputies booked the group into San Bernardino’s Central Detention Center. Each remained jailed Thursday morning. Detectives continue gathering evidence.
The Rural Crimes Task Force asks witnesses to contact 909-387-8400. Tipsters may remain anonymous through We-Tip. They can call or text REPORT to 844-909-3006. The online portal also accepts submissions.
Why It Matters
An armed cargo-theft crew can endanger railroad employees while disrupting freight moving through major corridors. Transportation companies need fast escalation procedures because these investigations can quickly become violent criminal cases.
Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.
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