Police recovered approximately $54,000 in stolen Hot Wheels merchandise following a freight train burglary in Colton, California. A witness called 911 around 3 a.m. Thursday, October 22, reporting suspicious activity near railroad tracks. Officers spotted a black Chevrolet Silverado leaving the area and initiated a traffic stop. The investigation ended with one arrest and 350 boxes of toy cars in police custody.
According to video released by the Colton Police Department, the caller reported people stealing merchandise near Maple Street. An officer positioned himself near Seventh Street and La Cadena Drive while monitoring the surrounding roads. Footage shows authorities following the pickup before stopping its driver. The man exited with his hands on his head, and officers took him into custody.
The department confirmed the recovery in its October 22 Facebook announcement. Authorities booked the suspect into West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of burglary, grand theft and possession of stolen property. The department did not identify the individual in its public announcement.
In a response to FreightWaves, Colton Police Department representative Jillian Nunez provided additional details about the investigation. Officers discovered an open Maersk shipping container and additional merchandise along nearby railroad tracks. Investigators identified Mattel as the cargo owner, while BNSF Railway took possession of the recovered property. Nunez confirmed that authorities will return the merchandise to its owner through the appropriate process.
Another rail cargo theft in Southern California
The Colton, California, arrest follows several freight theft investigations involving BNSF Railway shipments across Southern California. In August, deputies recovered $150,000 in New Balance shoes following a boxcar burglary near Daggett, California. In September, a container caught fire during a burglary aboard a moving BNSF train near Riverside, California. In October, Los Angeles detectives uncovered $1 million in stolen BNSF and Union Pacific merchandise at a Whittier, California, retailer.
The Colton Police Department maintains an active enforcement contract with BNSF Railway to address cargo theft and related criminal activity. Nunez confirmed the agreement in her response to FreightWaves. Officials did not disclose the contract’s duration or specific enforcement responsibilities.
Investigation leaves questions about container access
Colton police believe additional individuals may have participated in the theft. Nunez confirmed that detectives reached that assessment through witness statements and information gathered during the investigation. Authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding the burglary under case number 26-07172. The department declined to speculate about possible connections to other Inland Empire cargo thefts.
Investigators have not confirmed whether thieves accessed the container while the train was moving or stationary. Police also have not explained how suspects opened the equipment or whether they recovered every missing item. Authorities have not disclosed the shipment’s intended destination. FreightWaves contacted BNSF Railway for additional comment, but the railroad had not responded before publication.
Why it matters
A witness’s 911 call helped officers intercept a vehicle carrying $54,000 in stolen merchandise. The incident highlights the importance of timely reporting and coordinated responses to suspected rail cargo theft.
Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.
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