Police recover $54K in Hot Wheels after BNSF freight train burglary in California

Police recovered approximately $54,000 in stolen Hot Wheels merchandise following a freight train burglary in Colton, California. A witness called 911 around 3 a.m. Thursday, October 22, reporting suspicious activity near railroad tracks. Officers spotted a black Chevrolet Silverado leaving the area and initiated a traffic stop. The investigation ended with one arrest and 350 boxes of toy cars in police custody.

According to video released by the Colton Police Department, the caller reported people stealing merchandise near Maple Street. An officer positioned himself near Seventh Street and La Cadena Drive while monitoring the surrounding roads. Footage shows authorities following the pickup before stopping its driver. The man exited with his hands on his head, and officers took him into custody.

The department confirmed the recovery in its October 22 Facebook announcement. Authorities booked the suspect into West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of burglary, grand theft and possession of stolen property. The department did not identify the individual in its public announcement.

In a response to FreightWaves, Colton Police Department representative Jillian Nunez provided additional details about the investigation. Officers discovered an open Maersk shipping container and additional merchandise along nearby railroad tracks. Investigators identified Mattel as the cargo owner, while BNSF Railway took possession of the recovered property. Nunez confirmed that authorities will return the merchandise to its owner through the appropriate process.

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