Crime & Safety
Kern County, CA Deputies Recover $60K in Stolen BNSF Train Cargo
Kern County, CA – A suspected train cargo theft involving more than $60,000 in stolen merchandise led to a police pursuit and an extensive search Tuesday morning in Kern County, where deputies used dr
By Avery Collins · 2026-11-04T17:16:28.229Z
Kern County, CA – A suspected train cargo theft involving more than $60,000 in stolen merchandise led to a police pursuit and an extensive search Tuesday morning in Kern County, where deputies used drones, aircraft and a police dog to track down a fleeing suspect.
According to the Kern County Sheriff 's Office, the incident began around 7 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, when a deputy assigned to the Walker Basin Substation spotted a suspicious vehicle and attempted a traffic stop.
The driver allegedly refused to pull over, leading deputies on a pursuit along Bena Road and Baker Grade Road.
Authorities said additional deputies responded as the suspect fled toward the 27000 block of Caliente Bodfish Road, an area east of Bakersfield.
Deputies established a perimeter and launched a coordinated search involving air support, department issued drones and a canine unit.
Investigators identified the suspect as Miguel Aldaco, who was initially discovered hiding inside a culvert.
Aldaco allegedly fled on foot again after being located, prompting deputies and aerial units to continue tracking his movements.
He was eventually apprehended and taken into custody.
The investigation also led to a significant recovery of stolen property.
Sheriff's officials estimated that more than $60,000 worth of merchandise was recovered and confirmed the items had been stolen from a BNSF Railway train.
Authorities did not specify what type of merchandise was recovered or when the original train theft occurred.
Aldaco was arrested on suspicion of evading arrest, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools and operating a vehicle without evidence of current registration.
Officials also reported an outstanding misdemeanor bench warrant.
He was transported to the Lerdo Inmate Receiving Facility, where he was booked on the listed charges.
The sheriff's office did not report any injuries during the pursuit or subsequent search.