UPDATE: Over 500 pounds of missing heavy-duty fireworks have been found. Federal officials say the explosives were stolen from a CSX train car in a Southwest Detroit neighborhood. Authorities report that the 30 cases were discovered in a Detroit neighborhood. No arrests have been made. Federal officials say a tip lead them to the stolen goods.
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Federal officials continue to search for suspects who stole about 500 pounds of commercial grade fireworks from a CSX train. The train departed Chicago and traveled to Detroit. It is believed the cases were stolen while the train was stopped in Ohio, Ginger Colbrun, spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives, said Friday.
The theft was discovered when the train arrived in Detroit, on the city’s southwest side, according to CSX spokesman Rob Doolittle.
While the motive is unclear, Colbrun says it could range from profit to entertainment, based on previous commercial fireworks trafficking cases.
“It is an unusually large amount of fireworks to be stolen,” Colbrun said.
The fireworks should be considered very dangerous and not meant for public use. The cases contained 2½-inch to 5-inch aerial fireworks.
CSX is working with ATF, which is taking the lead in the investigation. Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call 313-202-3400.
The company released this statement: “CSX is cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms in investigating the apparent theft of a quantity of commercial fireworks from a CSX freight train on Wednesday, April 20, 2016. CSX reported the theft as soon as it was discovered, upon the train’s arrival in Detroit. The train originated in Chicago.”
