Update, Aug. 26: BNSF responded after publication, calling organized cargo theft a growing threat to public safety and the U.S. supply chain.

California deputies recovered more than $123,000 worth of Brooks running shoes following a suspected burglary of a BNSF train boxcar. San Bernardino County deputies discovered two abandoned vans while traveling toward Ludlow on Aug. 22. BNSF Railway Police had requested assistance after a train made an emergency stop nearby, and authorities had noticed three vehicles near the train under suspicious circumstances.

Deputies inspected both vans and found numerous boxes inside each vehicle. BNSF Police confirmed the boxes came from the boxcar, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announcement. Authorities identified the recovered merchandise as Brooks running shoes, valued by the department at more than $123,000.

The recovery matters beyond the dollar figure: rail theft can move high-value freight out of the supply chain before a shipper, buyer or carrier identifies the loss, and this case illustrates how quickly merchandise can leave rail equipment and enter vehicles on the ground. The episode also reflects a broader pattern. Rail corridors in Southern California, including the Inland Empire and High Desert routes east of Los Angeles, have repeatedly drawn attention from law enforcement for cargo theft, and freight moving through the region is a frequent target for organized theft crews that intercept trains slowed or stopped along mainlines. Fast reporting and coordination between railroad police and local law enforcement, as seen here, can improve recovery odds.

Emergency Stop Prompted the Response

The incident occurred near Ludlow and Daggett in San Bernardino County, California, communities that sit along National Trails Highway in the High Desert. After the emergency stop, BNSF Police asked deputies to help investigate the suspected burglary. Deputies then spotted two vehicles matching the description of the vehicles seen near the rail equipment.

"Deputies inspected the vans, discovering numerous boxes inside each of them," the sheriff's department wrote. "Upon examination, BNSF Police confirmed the boxes contained were from the boxcar."

The announcement does not identify the train's origin or destination, and officials did not describe how the boxes left the railcar.

Investigation Remains Open

BNSF declined to comment on the specific incident but called organized cargo theft a growing threat to public safety, law enforcement and the nation's supply chain. "Cargo theft is not a victimless crime," BNSF wrote in a statement to FreightWaves. The railroad noted that stolen packages can include medicine, food and other critical supplies.

The sheriff's department has not identified suspects or announced arrests, and authorities did not name the owners of the abandoned vehicles. The announcement does not state whether deputies recovered all missing merchandise. The investigation remains open. Watch for whether officials identify suspects or announce arrests, and whether BNSF Railway Police provides details on how the merchandise left the railcar — open questions the announcement leaves unanswered.

Anyone with information can contact Sheriff's Dispatch at 760-956-5001. Anonymous callers can call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. The sheriff's department also provided an online reporting option. FreightWaves requested additional information from BNSF Railway Police and will update this story if officials respond.