Train Cargo Theft Gang Busted in Northwest Indiana

Authorities in northwestern Indiana have arrested seven people and are pursuing a dozen others in connection with the theft of $2.8 million in cars, electronics, pharmaceuticals and other items from trains in the Chicago area.

Lake County Sheriff John Buncich announced the arrests on Monday, culminating an eight-month investigation.

Buncich says the suspects stole items from train cars that were temporarily parked in rail yards in northwestern Indiana and in Bedford Park, Ill., just southwest of Chicago.

James Haskell, a technical special agent for the CSX specialized crime unit, said sometimes the thieves would break into cars of trains that were briefly stopped because of railroad signaling delays.

The Post-Tribune and the (Munster) Times report the suspects face charges including auto theft, possessing a stolen firearm and resisting law enforcement.