Keene, CA — A reported train burglary in a remote area of eastern Kern County ended with two men in custody after deputies located the suspects hiding inside a rail storage container and refusing to surrender.
According to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, deputies from the Mojave, Tehachapi, and Rosamond substations responded to the area of Keene on December 31, 2025, Wednesday, following a report of a burglary involving a train. When deputies arrived, they allegedly found Ricardo Rodriguez, 47, and Juan Diaz, 41, inside a storage container on the train.
Authorities say Rodriguez and Diaz barricaded themselves inside the container and initially refused to comply with arrest commands. After a standoff, deputies were able to take both suspects into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported.
Rodriguez and Diaz were arrested on multiple charges, including burglary and conspiracy. According to sheriff’s officials, both men also allegedly delayed or obstructed a peace officer during the incident. Investigators additionally reported suspected controlled substance violations.
Rodriguez faces charges including burglary, conspiracy, delaying or obstructing a peace officer, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with prior convictions, and providing false identification to a peace officer.
Diaz faces similar charges and was also arrested on two outstanding felony warrants and one misdemeanor warrant, according to the sheriff’s office.
The incident occurred in Keene, an unincorporated community in Kern County located southeast of Bakersfield and along key freight rail corridors connecting Southern California to the Central Valley.
Officials did not release details about what items were allegedly stolen or whether additional suspects may be involved. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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