DAGGETT, Calif. — A reported train boxcar break-in in Southern California ended with an arrest after deputies allegedly recovered $150,000 worth of New Balance shoes from a vehicle connected to the theft.
The incident unfolded Monday in San Bernardino County, where authorities received a report of multiple people breaking into Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad boxcars.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were dispatched at around 7:04 a.m. to investigate the reported break-in.
While officers were heading toward the location, they spotted a vehicle that allegedly matched the description of one of the suspect vehicles traveling westbound on Interstate 40.
Deputies then moved to stop the vehicle, setting off a pursuit that ultimately led to an arrest.
Suspect Allegedly Flees During Traffic Stop
The sheriff’s department identified the suspect as 29-year-old Leonardo Martinez Navarre of Perris, California. Authorities said deputies conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near Daggett after observing the vehicle.
But Navarre allegedly did not remain at the scene.
“While enroute to the location, deputies observed one of vehicles matching the description of the suspect vehicles traveling westbound on Interstate 40,” the sheriff’s department said. “When the deputies conducted a traffic stop, the suspect jumped out of the vehicle and after a foot pursuit, deputies apprehended the suspect.”
The brief foot pursuit ended with deputies taking Navarre into custody.
Investigators then searched the vehicle, where they allegedly made a significant discovery.
Deputies Say Stolen Shoes Were Found in Vehicle
According to the sheriff’s department, deputies allegedly found approximately $150,000 worth of New Balance shoes inside Navarre’s vehicle. The shoes were reportedly taken from one of the railroad boxcars that had been targeted during the break-in.
The recovery represents a substantial portion of the alleged theft and provides investigators with evidence as they continue working to determine who else may have been involved.
Authorities have not indicated whether all of the people suspected of breaking into the boxcars have been identified or arrested. The circumstances surrounding the alleged theft are still being investigated.
Investigation Into Train Break-In Continues
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine the full circumstances of the boxcar break-in.
It is not yet clear how many people were involved in the alleged theft, how the suspects gained access to the railroad cars or whether additional stolen merchandise was taken.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward.
People with information can contact the Barstow Sheriff’s Station at (760) 256-4838 or the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department dispatch at (760) 956-5001.
The arrest came after deputies quickly connected a vehicle traveling away from the reported break-in with the description provided to authorities. The subsequent traffic stop and foot pursuit led investigators to the alleged stolen merchandise.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to determine whether additional suspects were involved and whether more arrests could follow.
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