DATE: November 5, 2013
SUBJECT: Train Horn Thefts
RELEASE NUMBER: 2014-NR-073
CONTACT: Lt. Doug Daza
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Eric Williams
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office has located two juveniles responsible for the theft of train horns from two train engines parked near the 4200 block of Hogue Rd. The theft was caught on video and the Sheriff’s Office released the footage in the hopes that someone might know the suspects.
Several days after the video was released to the media, the Sheriff’s Office was contacted directly by persons from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Dakota and Iowa. All identified the same two persons as committing the theft. These two suspects were known to them through social media and train enthusiast blogs.
Sheriff’s Office detectives traveled to Marion, IL and spoke with both suspects who were ages 16 and 17 at the time of the thefts. Both confessed to stealing the horns. Prior to the interview, one of the juveniles was again captured on video, this time as he tried to anonymously return the stolen horns with a note apologizing for the theft.
Both juveniles are train enthusiasts and restore and repair train horns. Admissions to other thefts near St. Louis, MO were also given. Both will be referred to Juvenile Court in Vanderburgh County.
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