Deputies recovered roughly $100,000 worth of speakers and headphones after interrupting a cargo train break-in in Newberry Springs on Tuesday night, officials said.
The incident unfolded shortly before 10:30 p.m. June 16 along a set of train tracks near National Trails Highway and Minneola Road in the unincorporated area of San Bernardino County, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department logs.
Authorities received a report of several people, along with a box truck, spotted near the tracks.
“Upon arrival, [a deputy] observed approximately 10 individuals actively loading boxes into a box truck,” sheriff’s officials said in a written statement. The suspects scattered into the nearby desert, while the truck began speeding away.
The deputy chased the truck for about 300 yards before the driver jumped from the still-moving vehicle and also ran into the desert.
“The unmanned truck continued forward until it struck a berm and came to a stop,” according to the statement.
Investigators found the truck was filled with JBL-brand speakers and headphone, valued as about $100,000.
“This incident highlights the ongoing issue of cargo thefts impacting businesses and consumers alike,” the statement added. “The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department remains committed to identifying and apprehending those responsible for these crimes.”
Officials asked that any suspicious activity near railroad tracks, warehouses or commercial sites be reported immediately.
Anyone with information can reach the Barstow Sheriff’s Station at (760) 256-4838. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to the WeTip hotline at (844) 909-3096.
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This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: $100,000 in just-stolen train cargo recovered in Newberry Springs
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
