Deputies investigate train burglary in Mecca

MECCA, Calif (KESQ) - Sheriff's deputies have one person in custody and are searching for a second subject following a train burglary in Mecca Wednesday morning.

At around 10:35 a.m., deputies were notified of suspicious activity near the train tracks in the area of Hammond Road and Johnson Street.

"Upon arrival, deputies learned that a train burglary had occurred and obtained the suspect's vehicle description," writes Lieutenant Deirdre Vickers, public information officer for the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.

Vickers said deputies searched the area and with the assistance of the Sheriff's Aviation Unit, two male suspects were seen loading stolen merchandise from the train into a car that was later reported stolen.

Before deputies could arrive at the scene, the suspects drove away and got to the area of Johnson Street and Avenue 62, where they abandoned the car and fled on foot. The Sheriff's Aviation Unit gave updates as they followed the suspects and the driver was located and taken into custody.

The driver was identified as a 19-year-old male from Mecca. He was booked into John Benoit Detention center, accused of burglary, possession of stolen property, grand theft, resisting arrest, and conspiracy.

Deputies are still working to identify and locate the second subject involved and encourage anyone with information about this incident to call the Thermal Sheriff's Station at (760) 863-8900, or anonymous calls can be made to Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP (7867).

The investigation is ongoing. Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.