HESPERIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> Authorities arrested one suspect Friday morning in connection with a continued investigation into train burglaries.
On Friday, March 20, 2026, at approximately 5:44am, deputies responded to the area of Summit Valley Road and Highway 138 regarding a report of several individuals seen breaking into containers on the train.
Deputies observed a Chevrolet Tahoe exiting a dirt road. When deputies arrived at the location, they observed the vehicle coming to a stop and the individuals fled on foot. The suspect Rafael Alavez-Munoz, 47-years-old, Resident of Colton.
During the investigation, deputies observed several boxes inside the vehicle that were later confirmed to contain stolen property taken from a train, with an estimated value of approximately $280,000. Shoe impressions located near the vehicle, matched the shoes he was wearing, who later returned to the scene.
Alavez-Munoz provided false information regarding his identity and was arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center for PC496(A) – Possession of stolen property and PC148.9(A) – Give false ID to a police officer.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Victor Valley station at (760) 552-6800 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip by calling, or text the word “REPORT” to 844-909-3006 or visit https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites
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