Authorities in Colton, California, have arrested a suspect and recovered tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise following a daring early-morning heist targeting a freight train. The incident, which unfolded in the pre-dawn hours of Thursday, resulted in the seizure of approximately 350 boxes containing Hot Wheels toy cars, a haul police estimated to be worth $54,000.
The sequence of events began around 3:00 a.m. when the Colton Police Department received reports of a train burglary in progress near Mason Street. In a recording of the emergency response shared by the department, an unidentified caller alerted dispatchers to the ongoing crime, stating, “Yeah, they’re robbing the trains down here at the end of Maple Street.”
Responding officers quickly mobilized to the industrial area. A patrol officer positioned near the intersection of 7th Street and La Cadena Drive spotted a vehicle matching the description of a suspicious truck leaving the vicinity—a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup. The officer followed the vehicle and successfully conducted a traffic stop, taking the driver into custody without further incident.
Upon inspecting the Silverado, investigators discovered the massive collection of stolen toys. The 350 boxes of Hot Wheels filled the vehicle, representing a significant commercial loss that was averted by the rapid police intervention. Following the recovery, the Colton Police Department noted the unusual nature of the cargo on social media, jokingly remarking that the suspect’s own “wheels weren’t hot enough to get away.”
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released by authorities, was transported to the West Valley Detention Center for processing. He was booked on suspicion of several felony charges, including burglary, possession of stolen property, and grand theft.
While the primary recovery has been made, the investigation remains active. Police have not provided further details regarding how the suspect gained access to the freight train or whether they believe additional individuals were involved in the theft. The Colton Police Department continues to monitor the rail corridors in the area to prevent similar burglaries.
