More Monday morning rail news:
LA Metro, county government offer $35,000 reward after shooting of light rail operator
A $35,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual who shot an LA Metro light rail operator early Friday morning at Indiana Station in East Los Angeles. LA Metro is offering $25,000 and LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis has added another $10,000. This Metro blog post has details, including how to report information. The shooting of the L (Gold) Line train operator occurred at 4:10 a.m.; the individual, shot twice, was reported in stable condition at a local hospital. Metro Security and the LA County Sheriff’s Department are investigating, with assistance from the LA Police Department. The Los Angeles Times reports that it was unclear whether the shooter had fired fr0m inside or outside the train, and that security cameras did not record the entire incident.
New Mexico man charged in BNSF derailment
A 27-year-old La Mesa, N.M., man has been charged with knowingly derailing a train after a federal court appearance on Friday. Luis Angel Rodriguez is charged in connection with the Dec. 2, 2020, derailment of two locomotives and 12 cars of a BNSF train in Vado, N.M., about 20 miles south of Las Cruces. Ties were alleged to have been placed on the track, causing the derailment which injured two crew member [See “Digest: two hurt as BNSF train derails in New Mexico,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 2, 2020]. The railroad subsequently offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico says Rodriguez will remain in jail pending a preliminary hearing.
Greenbrier announces managerial promotions
Rail equipment and services provider The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., has announced a series of promotions in senior management. Brian Comstock has been appointed chief commercial and leasing officer, effective immediately, in anticipation of the August 2022 retirement of Mark Rittenbaum. Rittenbaum will remain an executive vice president and senior advisor to the chairman. William Kruger, senior vice president, Greenbrier Manufacturing Organization, has assumed responsibility for facilities in Arkansas and Missouri added in the acquisition of American Railcar Industries [see “Freight car maker Greenbrier posts overall business gains …,” Trains News Wire, Oct. 29, 2019] and manages manufacturing automation and process development. Rick Galvan now managed Greenbrier Rail Services, comprised of the company’s wheels, parts, and repairs facilities, succeeding Rick Turner, who retired Dec. 31, 2020. And Laurie Dornan has been promoted to senior vice president, chief human resources officer. More details are available here.
