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BNSF offers reward for train shooting tip leads

Herald Staff Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years, 9 months AGO
by Herald Staff WriterJoe Utter
| October 12, 2013 6:05 AM

SEATTLE - BNSF Railway is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest of the suspect or suspects who recently shot at a train.

At least 15 shots were fired at a freight train near Quincy Sept. 24.

About 8:15 p.m. on Sept. 24, someone in a dark colored vehicle fired several shots from a .22-caliber firearm at the train heading west near Bear Springs Road, about eight miles west of Quincy, BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said.

The engineer and conductor, the only two people on the train, noticed the vehicle near the tracks prior to shots being fired but were unable to identify the make or model. They did notice the car had oval-shaped headlights and a square brake light in the back window.

As the train continued west, the suspected vehicle followed, passing under a railroad underpass and again firing at the train, hitting the first engine, Melonas said.

About 22 miles east of Wenatchee, the vehicle headed off the highway onto a dirt road and again fired shots at the train, according to Melonas.

The first of three engines was reportedly shot 15 times, 13 times on the right and twice on the left. Melonas said the freight train was hauling general merchandise.

BNSF is working with the Grant County Sheriff's Office, State Patrol and Douglas County Sheriff's Office to identify any suspects.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call 1-800-832-5452.

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