Deputies arrested 14 suspects and recovered more than $42,000 worth of stolen goods this week as they raided a Hesperia home in connection with an ongoing investigation into recent freight train burglaries, authorities said.
The bust took place about 6:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 1, at a home in the 14600 block of Willow Street, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
“The search warrant is based on an ongoing investigation related to recent train burglaries within the Victor Valley area,” sheriff’s officials said in a written statement.
Seven people tried to run from the home but were quickly apprehended, officials said. Another seven suspects were detained at the house.
“During the service of the search warrant, investigators located property stolen from BNSF railroad,” according to the statement.
Officials valued the recovered goods at $42,500. They were returned to BNSF.
Invesigators also seized about $55,000 in cash, sheriff’s officials added.
The 14 suspects were arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property and criminal conspiracy.
They were identified as:
Previous busts nets 17 arrests
The 14 suspects join another 17 who were arrested during three search warrants that were carried out Oct. 1 by the Sheriff’s Rural Crime Task Force, law enforcement officials said at the time.
Deputies raided a Hesperia home, as well as another home and storage unit in Victorville.
The searches turned up more than $376,000 worth of merchandise allegedly stolen during burglaries of BNSF freight trains, as well as $61,000 in cash, investigators said.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 552-6800, or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Tips may also be provided anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: 14 arrested in Hesperia as investigation continues into freight train break-ins
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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