Six arrested after mob of thieves burglarize train on Chicago's West Side: officials

CHICAGO - Six people have been arrested in connection with the brazen burglary of a freight train on Chicago's West Side.

The chaos unfolded around 2:40 p.m. Friday in the 4700 block of W. Kenzie before extending to Lake Street and Lockwood Avenue, in the Austin neighborhood. 

A mob descended on a freight train that was stopped on the tracks. SkyFOX video captured thieves looting cargo containers and hauling stolen goods away.

The train was stopped and awaiting an interchange with a partner railroad when swarms of thieves began opening containers, according to Union Pacific. 

"Rail burglaries are not victimless crimes and they pose a safety threat to the public, our employees and local law enforcement officers," a spokesperson with Union Pacific said in a statement. 

Thieves were even seen loading the stolen goods into their vehicles, and in at least one instance, a box truck.

Some of the merchandise has since been recovered, according to Union Pacific. Police said stolen items included air fryers, appliances, and flat-screen TVs.  

Chicago police and Metra police rushed to the scene, where upwards of 30 individuals were reportedly involved in the mass theft.

The ordeal even stopped passenger traffic. Around 4:40 p.m., Metra announced that inbound and outbound Union Pacific West Line trains were halted near Kedzie due to "ongoing police activity." 

At 6:50 p.m., Metra said UPW train service had resumed between Elburn and Maywood but remained suspended between Maywood and Chicago, warning riders to seek alternate transportation. 

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This is a developing story and we'll bring more updates as they become available.