A freight train on Chicago’s West Side became the target of a brazen daylight robbery on Friday afternoon when dozens of thieves swarmed the stationary cars, stealing as much cargo as they could carry. The incident was captured on camera by a local news helicopter.
ABC 7’s news chopper happened to be in the area and recorded footage of the large-scale theft as it unfolded on the Union Pacific train. The video shows a swarm of individuals quickly ransacking containers and fleeing with stolen goods.
A Union Pacific spokesperson told ABC 7, “The train was stopped, awaiting an interchange with a partner railroad, when thieves began opening containers.” The company did not immediately provide details on the extent of the losses or the nature of the stolen cargo.
Local law enforcement responded to the scene, with officers arriving with guns drawn in an attempt to apprehend the thieves. According to the news station, at least six arrests have been made so far. The police investigation is ongoing.
