Law enforcement authorities reported that two teenagers from South Carolina were arrested after they stole and crashed a train, causing a derailment and significant damage.
In a statement, the Laurens Police Department said that the juveniles unlawfully entered both the Carolina Piedmont Railroad and CSX Transportation Railroad facilities between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Teenagers Steal and Crash a Train
Investigators later determined that the teenagers started an engine that was connected to two other engines. They then drove all three of the engines around the yard before taking them onto the rail line that connects to Greenville.
Officials said that while the suspects were trying to return the engines to the yard, they collided with parked railcars, which caused a derailment of the engine and significant damage to one of the cars.
The two juveniles were charged with several offenses, including second-degree burglary, grand larceny, malicious damage to property, willful destruction of railroad property, and others. Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland said what the teens did was a "dangerous and reckless act," according to KEYT.
Officials noted that railroad yards and live tracks present unique hazards, such as moving equipment, heavy railcards, and energized systems. They warn that these could have life-threatening consequences.
The Association of American Railroads revealed that there were 65,000 cargo thefts on United States railways last year, which represents a 40% increase year-over-year. The statistics equate to roughly 180 cargo thefts every day across the nation, which cost Class I railroads more than $100 million in 2024 alone, Newsweek reported.
Authorities said that the two juveniles who were arrested are being detained at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia. It remains unclear exactly how the suspects were able to gain access to the equipment and locomotives.
Arresting and Charging the Suspects
Following the arrest and charging of the two teenagers, Laurens Police officers are still investigating the incident. Authorities are encouraging the members of the public to report any suspicious activity that they witness in the area, as per MSN.
The Laurens Police Department posted on Facebook on Aug. 11, notifying the public about the incident and the two suspects. The teenagers' identities and ages have not been revealed because they are minors.
A separate incident involved a group of teenagers who were captured on camera stealing a subway train in Queens and taking it for a joyride. The incident took place in January, and officers initially responded to reports of vandalism.
Police were able to arrest two members of the group, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old, who were charged with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and trespassing.
