One person arrested after attempting to steal train in North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA — A Charlotte man was arrested late Tuesday night after authorities say he attempted to steal an Amtrak train from a rail yard off North Tryon Street.

According to court documents, 43-year-old Joseph Seigle was found inside the conductor’s car of a parked Amtrak train at the North Tryon rail yard around 11:45 p.m. on June 3.

An Amtrak supervisor told police he was in his office when he heard the train horn unexpectedly sound and went outside to investigate.

The supervisor reportedly found Seigle in the conductor’s seat.

The two exchanged words before Seigle got off the train and walked away down North Tryon Street. Police were called and soon located Seigle nearby.

When questioned by officers, Seigle admitted to having consumed three alcoholic drinks and claimed he only pressed the horn button.

However, the supervisor told officers that brake levers inside the train had been moved, suggesting an attempt to operate the train.

Seigle was arrested and taken to the Mecklenburg County jail. He was charged with trespassing on a railroad right of way and attempted kidnapping, as cleaning crews were reportedly still on board the train at the time.

Seigle remains in custody on a $15,000 secured bond. He has been appointed a public defender and is scheduled to appear in court on June 25.