Recently, wild news helicopter footage captured a shocking incident in Chicago where a mob of around 30 individuals, some armed, looted a freight train. The incident occurred on the city's West Side as the double-stacked train was stopped for an interchange with a partner railroad. At least six individuals were arrested following the looting.
According to Union Pacific, the thieves, armed with guns and lock openers, were seen opening container doors and stealing appliances like air fryers and flat-screen TVs. The suspects loaded the stolen goods into various vehicles, including a white box truck that aided in transporting the loot.
As the daylight robbery unfolded, Chicago Police Department officers arrived at the scene, prompting the mob to disperse. The dramatic incident took place near Lake St. and Lockwood Avenue. Witnesses reported that the burglary had been ongoing for nearly an hour before law enforcement intervened.
Union Pacific emphasized that rail burglaries are not victimless crimes and pose a safety threat to the public, employees, and law enforcement officers. Fortunately, some of the stolen merchandise has been recovered.
The aftermath of the incident led to disruptions in passenger traffic, with Metra announcing the halt of Union Pacific West Line trains near Kedzie due to ongoing police activity. While service between Elburn and Maywood resumed later, the stretch between Maywood and Chicago remained suspended, prompting riders to seek alternate transportation.
Train robberies are not uncommon in Chicago, with a similar incident reported in August. The authorities continue to investigate the recent looting and work towards ensuring the safety and security of rail transport in the city.
