Major rail carrier Union Pacific is considering rerouting its trains after blasting Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon for going soft on crime amid a spike in rail car looting.
UP General Director of Public Affairs Adrian Guerrero wrote a letter detailing how at least 90 rail car containers are broken into each day, with criminals being caught and released only to come back and loot again.
“These individuals are generally caught and released back onto the streets in less than twenty-four hours,” Guerrero wrote. “Even with all the arrests made, the no-cash bail policy and extended timeframe for suspects to appear in court is causing re-victimization to UP by these same criminals. In fact, criminals boast to [UP] officers that charges will be pled down to simple trespassing — which bears no serious consequence.”
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Around $5 million in claims, losses, and damages have been reported to UP over the past year.
Video from KCBS of the looting damage shows thousands of opened packages on the ground.
The spike in crime is causing UP to consider rerouting its trains around LA.
“UP is now contemplating serious changes to our operating plans to avoid Los Angeles County,” Guerrero said. “We do not take this effort lightly, particularly during the supply chain crisis, as this drastic change to our operations will create significant impacts and strains throughout the local, state, and national supply chain systems.”
Gascon’s office replied to Guerrero’s criticism and concerns, stating it is committed to ensuring the safety of LA County’s railroad tracks.
“Some cases presented to our office by Union Pacific have been filed, such as burglary and grand theft, while others have been declined due to insufficient evidence,” Gascon’s office told KCBS reporter Kristine Lazar. “Our office takes Union Pacific’s concerns seriously and hopes to discuss the issue more in the coming weeks.”
In December 2020, Gascon’s office issued a directive to dismiss misdemeanor offenses that included trespassing, drug possession, loitering, and resisting arrest. Deputy district attorneys were also directed to “waive fines and fees” for offenders who could not afford legal representation.
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A train derailed Jan. 15 in the LA County area where the looting has been taking place.
The cause of the derailment is still under investigation, and additional thefts due to the derailment are unknown, according to ABC7.
