Thieves loot boxes from freight train on West Side, Chicago police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police are investigating a railway cargo theft Friday afternoon on the city's West Side.

Chopper 7 was above the scene, showing several people ransacking a freight cargo train, and getting away with multiple boxes before officers arrived.

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This railway is no stranger to these type of freight cargo thefts, and police confirmed they are once again responding to another one.

This situation unfolded just before 4 p.m. Friday in the 400 block of North Lamon Avenue in the South Austin neighborhood.

At one point, police officers were seen drawing their weapons and aiming them toward at least one vehicle apparently speeding away from the scene.

This is the second time in a few months people allegedly broke into cargo trains on this route.

It was back in August, near Lawler and Kinzie on the city's West Side, when thieves broke into another freight train and got away with multiple boxes full of TVs, police said.

READ MORE | Union Pacific investigating freight train cargo theft on West Side, authorities say

In a statement, a Union Pacific spokesperson said, "rail burglaries pose a safety threat to the public, our employees and local law enforcement officers."

Metra trains are being stopped near Kedzie as police continue to investigate.

It was not yet known if any arrests have been made.

This is a breaking news story. Check back with ABC7 for updates.

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