Freight Train Robbery Causes Major Metra Delays in Chicago Suburb

Freight Train Robbery Disrupts Metra Service in Berkeley, Illinois Early Tuesday morning, a freight train robbery in Berkeley, Illinois, led to a significant disruption of Metra Union Pacific West Line service. Police responded to reports of the robbery, halting both inbound and outbound train traffic between Bellwood and Berkeley stations. ABC 7 Chicago Chopper 7 provided live aerial footage of the scene, showing numerous cardboard boxes, apparently containing kitchen appliances, scattered along the train tracks. This blockage forced Metra to halt service for approximately two hours. A Metra spokesperson confirmed the service disruption, stating, "Union Pacific West Line train traffic was completely stopped in both directions due to ongoing police activity." The spokesperson later added that service was restored around 6:45 a.m. after police cleared the tracks. The incident highlights the vulnerability of freight trains to theft and the potential impact on commuter rail services. While the investigation into the robbery is ongoing, the quick response from law enforcement and the restoration of Metra service prevented further significant delays.