At least 50 thieves boarded a freight train on Chicago’s West Side to loot any items they could get their hands on.
The group of misguided opportunists invaded the Union Pacific train on Friday to steal several boxes before officers arrived.
The robbery occurred shortly before 4 p.m. in the 400 block of North Lamon Avenue in the South Austin neighborhood.
The massive robbery forced the train to suspend operations. In a statement on X.com, Metra said “train service is temporarily suspended due to ongoing police activity near Kedzie.”
On Friday, thieves held up the Union Pacific train and stole several boxes of items before officers arrived.
The statement continued: “Metra encourages customers to seek alternative transportation at this time.”
Crazy footage taken from the scene revealed the coordinated nature of the robbery.
People can be seen climbing the tracks towards an open cargo container where several men are busy removing boxes.
The men then hand the load to other people who carry it across the tracks to waiting trucks.
Crazy video taken at the scene revealed the coordinated nature of the robbery
When the authorities arrived, they took out their firearms and pointed them at one of the vehicles,
They estimate the number of thieves between 50 and 150, ABC7 reported.
It is not the first time that this railway has been the target of a robbery. In August, thieves looted a freight train near Lawler and Kinzie on the city’s West Side.
The thieves managed to make off with an impressive loot, including several boxes containing televisions.
In a statement, a Union Pacific spokesperson condemned the brazen theft.
The men then hand the load to other people who carry it across the tracks to waiting trucks.
“Railway robberies pose a threat to the safety of the public, our employees and local authorities,” the official said.
Authorities are actively investigating the incident, although it is unclear if any arrests have been made.
Chicago authorities could not be reached for comment at this time.
This is a developing story.