Nearly $50,000 in stolen train cargo recovered

MORONGO BAISN, CA (KESQ) - An off-duty San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy helped lead authorities to the recovery of nearly $50,000 worth of merchandise allegedly stolen from a freight train in the Morongo Basin, says the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff's say the incident began Friday, Sept. 4, when deputies were notified of a train heist near Amboy involving an estimated 15 to 20 vehicles, including several white box trucks. Investigators said the stolen cargo included Ariat boots and DeWalt construction equipment valued at approximately $50,000.

The department said later that evening, an off-duty deputy traveling home spotted a white box truck matching the description provided by investigators on Twentynine Palms Highway. The deputy immediately notified on-duty personnel and provided the vehicle’s location and direction of travel.

Deputies later stopped the truck near Cholla Avenue. Two occupants fled on foot, while a third was detained with assistance from the California Highway Patrol. Deputies pursued the fleeing suspects, and a sheriff’s helicopter located one suspect hiding in a nearby bush.

Two suspects were arrested and booked into the Morongo Basin Jail on suspicion of commercial burglary and grand theft of cargo valued at more than $950.

Authorities said the case highlights growing concerns over organized thefts targeting freight trains and emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious activity. News Channel 3's Garret Hottle covered the process authorities under-go when tracking train robberies. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Anonymous tips can be submitted through We-Tip or by texting “REPORT” to (844) 909-3006.