Millions in Nike shoes stolen in train heists across California and Arizona

In 2025, a string of train heists are targeting valuable cargo like Nike shoes and electronics in California and Arizona, with at least 10 robberies resulting in about $2 million worth of stolen goods. The heists involve a quick process of thieves scouting containers, boarding trains, cutting air hoses to force emergency stops, unloading merchandise onto trucks, and fleeing the scene. BNSF trains have been the primary target, with over 60 people facing charges in connection with the thefts. Authorities are working to address the issue and make arrests, but some robberies end with the culprits escaping. One alleged ringleader, Felipe Avalos-Mejia, has been identified as orchestrating some of the heists, with a network of scouts helping select targets and burglary crews conducting the robberies. In June, police conducted raids on homes and storage units connected to Avalos-Mejia, arresting suspects and recovering stolen merchandise worth $3 million. Avalos-Mejia was arrested and found with cash and a ledger detailing stolen merchandise. The train heists have highlighted the vulnerability of trains in isolated areas, where conductors and engineers are unable to prevent robberies. The perpetrators have targeted valuable and unreleased goods like Nike shoes, leading to multiple arrests in connection with the thefts. The ongoing investigation aims to dismantle the organized crime network responsible for the train heists.