Reading & Northern Railroad Police

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

National Night Out 2026!

Our Officers Represented our Police Department in the Plains, PA area and had a wonderful time meeting residents and explaining who they were and what our Police Department does on a daily basis. They earned interest in some of the youth about the railroad and gave away goodie bags to them as well. We plan on continuing to attend events like this moving forward in 2026 and 2027 and hope to continue to spread knowledge and interest in the railroad.

See It, Hear It, Report It!
570-943-5027

08/04/2026

***ARREST***

On June 12th, 2026, Reading & Northern Railroad Police responded to the Nesquehoning campus for a report of a male attempting to break into an employee’s vehicle. The female victim whose vehicle the male was attempting to break into confronted the male to stop but he ignored the female and continued to try and break into the vehicle. He then broke the door handle of the female’s vehicle and broke the window gaining access to it. The male attempted to steal the vehicle before Officers arrived on scene and were able to take the male into custody. The male was searched and found to be in possession of controlled substances it was also concluded the male rode the train into the Nesquehoning campus. The male was arraigned for charges of motor vehicle theft, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, railroad protection and vandalism, possession of controlled substances and criminal trespass. He was remanded to the Carbon County prison on $100,000 dollar bail but later was released with bail conditions.



On July 2nd, 2026

The same male from the earlier incident again was found on railroad property in Nesquehoning and this time attempted to steal a train. The male jumped in the cab of the train through the open window and started playing with the throttle attempting to move the train and then jumped out of the train when the engineer confronted him and told him to get out of the train. Officers were already on the scene at this time and heard the engineer screaming and observed the same male from the prior incident back on property. They chased after the male and commanded him to stop in a brief foot chase. The male did comply and was again taken into custody. The male was also found to be responsible for a stolen bicycle and vehicle in the neighboring towns before he came to the Nesquehoning campus. The male was charged with criminal trespass, motor vehicle theft, railroad protection railroad vandalism and disorderly conduct. He was placed back in Carbon County Prison on $100,000 bail from this incident and broke the bail conditions of the last incident. At this time the male is still remanded in the Carbon County prion.



We are proud of our Officers for their quick response in this incident and for protecting our employees and customers from individuals such as this male. This was a stressful time with the big boy event happening on our railroad and that did not deter our Officers from doing their jobs.

All individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

07/01/2026

We see you who want to see the BIG BOY!!
Safety Reminders: When coming out to see Big Boy, STAY AT LEAST 25 FEET BACK from ALL railroad tracks for safety. You don’t want a bath of excess steam or something hanging off the train to hit you. The BIG BOY is so big that further back is better for a photo/video. For their safety, please leave your pets at home. Do not fly drones near the train. They can be sucked into the train while in motion. Stay off of railroad property and do not trespass. Expect a train on any track at any time and in either direction. Railroad and local police WILL be enforcing the law. DO NOT STAND ON THE TRACKS AT ANY TIME.
Operation Lifesaver will be seen at many stops across the state sharing the message.

06/11/2026

THE BIG BOY IS ALMOST HERE!!! The Union Pacific Big Boy, the largest and most powerful operational steam locomotive in the world, will be spending the next 4 weeks in Pennsylvania! Something most never thought possible. The railfans and public will be out by the thousands to catch a glimpse of the locomotive on its route or at scheduled public displays. Be polite to each other. If you see something unsafe, kindly but firmly talk with those being unsafe. Enjoy the gathering of so many to enjoy this experience together.

Safety Reminders: When coming out to see Big Boy, STAY AT LEAST 25 FEET BACK from ALL railroad tracks for safety. You don’t want a bath of excess steam or something hanging off the train to hit you. The BIG BOY is so big that further back is better for a photo/video. For their safety, please leave your pets at home. Do not fly drones near the train. They can be sucked into the train while in motion. Stay off of railroad property and do not trespass. Expect a train on any track at any time and in either direction. Railroad and local police WILL be enforcing the law. DO NOT STAND ON THE TRACKS AT ANY TIME.
Operation Lifesaver will be seen at many stops across the state sharing the message.

Want to know where the Big Boy is headed next? See the schedule at http://UP.com/steam-schedule ! Expected Arrival on 7/7 into Harrisburg is around 2pm.

Want to know where the Big Boy is now? Track here: https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/track

06/11/2026

05/22/2026

03/09/2026

Our hearts are heavy this morning as we learned that Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Tim O’Connor passed away after being shot during a traffic stop in Chester County, PA. The Reading & Northern Railroad Police, extend our prayers out to Cpl. O’Connor’s family, friends, and to his co-workers. Please know his sacrifice will never be forgotten….🙏

01/09/2026

Today, Friday, January 9, 2026, is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.).

In the 9 counties we patrol and across the Commonwealth, this day is set aside to recognize the local officers who serve the community. Pennsylvania has also historically designated the entire month of January as "Law Enforcement Professionals Appreciation Month" to honor officers at all levels of government.

I would like to personally thank the Officers in all the counties the Reading Blue Mountain and Railroad operates for their sacrifices and dedication to keeping their communities safe and rails safe. They are always willing to provide assistance to our Officers and confront danger without hesitation. Your service is valued beyond words!