Train Cargo Thief Captured 

February 9, 2025 – Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 10:35 a.m., deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station responded to the area of Hammond Road and Johnson Street in the unincorporated community of Mecca regarding a train burglary. Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Aviation responded and observed two males loading stolen merchandise into a vehicle, which was later reported stolen and seen fleeing the scene before deputies arrived.

The vehicle was driven to the area of Johnson Street and Avenue 62 in Mecca, where the driver and passenger fled on foot. The suspects made multiple attempts to elude capture, but Sheriff’s Aviation provided vital updates, which led to the driver being captured and all stolen property being recovered.

The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Fabian Galvez-Espinoza of Mecca. Galvez-Espinoza was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for burglary, possession of stolen property, grand theft, resisting arrest, and conspiracy.

Deputies are still working to identify the passenger involved and encourage anyone with information regarding this incident to call the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at (760) 863-8990. Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP (7867).

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Nicole Wilhite

File # C250360014

Source: Riverside County Sheriff's Office