Six arrested after looting of UP train in Chicago

Six arrested after looting of UP train in Chicago

By Trains Staff | October 12, 2024

Incident leads to lengthy disruption of Metra UP West service

CHICAGO — At least six people were arrested Friday after a large group of thieves began looting a stopped Union Pacific intermodal train on Chicago’s West Side, an incident that also led an interruption of Metra commuter service for more than two hours during the Friday evening rush period.

WLS-TV reports police reported to the incident near the 400 block of North Lamon Avenue about 4 p.m. TV news helicopters captured images of large groups of people opening containers on the stopped train. A Union Pacific representative told the station “the train was stopped, waiting interchange with a partner railroad, when thieves began opening containers.”

WFLD-TV reports merchandise stolen included air fryers, other appliances, and flat-screen TVs; Union Pacific said some of the items had been recovered as of Friday night.

Metra service on the UP West line was halted before 5 p.m. near the Kedzie station because of “ongoing police activity,” the commuter operator announced on X.com, advising passengers to seek alternate transportation because of anticipated extensive delays. Service west of the incident scene resumed about 6:50 p.m., according to a later post on X, but service remained disrupted or delayed through the 11:40 p.m. departure from Chicago.

Share this article