Two Men Arrested In Banning For Allegedly Stealing From Train

BANNING, CA — Two Banning men were arrested after officers found them opening boxes in a transient encampment near train tracks, authorities said Saturday.

At about 4 p.m. on Sept. 9, Banning police responded to the tracks between Sunset and Highland Springs Avenue on reports of people breaking into train cars and stealing boxes.

Officers allegedly found two men opening boxes in a transient encampment near the tracks.

The men were identified as Matthew Slusher, 21, and Patrick Pettigrew, 44. Both were arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property.

According to authorities, approximately 40 packages were recovered and returned to the UPS cargo container they were stolen from.

Anyone with information about the alleged theft was encouraged to call the Banning Police Department at 951-922-3170.