Trains on Metra’s Union Pacific West line were halted during rush hour Friday afternoon after the rail agency reported police activity, with video showing people reportedly stealing from freight trains on the line.
At least four people were arrested after a chaotic scene erupted on Metra's Union Pacific-West line, with video showing people reportedly stealing boxes from freight trains, authorities said.
Video from NBC's Sky 5 chopper showed what appeared to be nearly a dozen people taking boxes off freight trains in the area. Groups were seen carrying boxes from the trains, loading the items into vans and cars and driving away from the scene. Debris was seen strewn across the tracks as the incident unfolded. What was inside the trains wasn't immediately clear.
According to Chicago police, at around 2:40 p.m., officers responded to the 4700 block of West Kinzie regarding a theft in progress at a railroad. One person attempted to flee after taking property from a train car, police said. That person and a second individual were taken into custody, authorities said.
An additional two people were taken into custody by Metra police, according to law enforcement.
The thefts occurred at the height of the afternoon rush hour, causing delays for commuters. In the most recent update at 6:50 p.m., Metra said UP-W service will resume between Elburn to Maywood. Service between Maywood and Chicago remained suspended.
At around 4:58 p.m., trains on the UP-West line, both inbound and outbound, were stopped near Kedzie, according to Metra.
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"Extensive delays are anticipated," an alert to riders stated. "Metra encourages customers to seek alternate transportation at this time. Updates will be provided as information becomes available."
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