$2 Million Nike Heist: California & Arizona Train Robberies Rock the Sneaker World
A series of brazen heists targeting BNSF freight trains in California and Arizona’s Mojave Desert have resulted in over $2 million in stolen Nike sneakers, many unreleased to the public. At least ten incidents, involving air brake hose tampering to halt trains, have been investigated since March 2022, leading to multiple arrests and charges. Eleven individuals, mostly undocumented Mexican nationals, were charged in connection with a January 13th theft aided by tracking devices. These thefts are part of a larger national problem costing freight railroads over $100 million annually, highlighting the need for increased security measures and stricter penalties.
John Q. Hosedrinker