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Two Arrested in Arizona Train Heist Investigation Targeting Nike Shoes
Law enforcement officials apprehended two individuals in Arizona on Thursday, suspected of involvement in a series of train robberies targeting valuable cargo, including sought-after Nike shoes. These train heists have been plaguing freight lines in the Mojave Desert region.
Freight Train Robberies Under Investigation
For nearly a year, freight trains traversing the Mojave Desert in the southwestern United States have become targets for thieves. Many of these incidents, at least ten of which are under active investigation, focused on stealing millions of dollars’ worth of Nike sneakers, according to an initial report by the Los Angeles Times in February.
Arrests Made During Traffic Stops
The Hualapai Nation Police Department reported that the initial arrest occurred after officers stopped a maroon Chevy Tahoe at 2:40 a.m. on Thursday. The vehicle was flagged as potentially linked to the ongoing train robbery investigations in the area. Details regarding the connection between the vehicle and the robberies remain undisclosed.
- First Arrest: The male driver, identified as being from Mexico, was taken into custody.
- Fleeing Suspects: Police stated that as officers approached, eight occupants fled from the stopped vehicle.
- Recovered Goods: Authorities discovered stolen Nike shoes in the vicinity of the vehicle.
Second Arrest Follows Pursuit
A second arrest was made during the subsequent investigation, involving a female driver of a white Toyota 4Runner. This vehicle was initially pulled over for a traffic infraction – failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.
- Observed Evidence: Upon approaching the 4Runner, officers noticed “evidence of criminal activity” purportedly connected to the train robberies. Specific details of this evidence and its link to the robberies have not been released.
- Escape Attempt and Pursuit: After initially complying with officers’ request to exit her vehicle, the female driver re-entered the Toyota 4Runner and drove away.
- Officer Struck: During the escape attempt, the fleeing driver struck a patrol officer. The officer did not sustain injuries.
High-Speed Chase and Apprehension
Police engaged in a pursuit of approximately 80 miles. The chase concluded when the woman reportedly lost control of her vehicle in a construction zone near the Arizona-California state border. The Toyota 4Runner collided with a guardrail, resulting in the driver being ejected from the vehicle.
- Driver Injuries: The female suspect sustained minor injuries from the ejection.
- Medical Treatment: She was transported to Valley View Medical Center in Mohave Valley, Arizona, for medical evaluation and treatment.
Suspects Detained
Both suspects are currently held at the Mohave County Adult Detention Center. They face charges related to their alleged involvement in the train robberies. Law enforcement further indicated that both individuals are in the United States without authorization.