Nearly 2,000 Nike Air Jordans stolen in Arizona train heist worth over $440,000

A train robbery in Arizona last month saw nearly 2,000 pairs of Nike Air Jordans stolen, with an estimated value of over $440,000, according to federal court documents obtained by DailyMail.com. 

The theft occurred after thieves reportedly cut the air brake hose on a BNSF freight train, rendering it immobile. Among the stolen sneakers were the highly anticipated Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4s, which are set to be released on March 14 at $225 per pair. On the resale market, however, these shoes could fetch up to $2,500 each.

This robbery was part of a broader string of train heists targeting prized sports apparel. Investigators have identified at least 10 similar incidents since March 2022, with the majority involving Nike sneakers. Authorities believe the culprits are part of an organized group that has been stealing goods from BNSF trains in remote areas of the Mojave Desert.

Eleven individuals were arrested in connection with the January 13 robbery. The suspects, mostly undocumented migrants, face charges for possessing or receiving stolen goods from interstate shipments. The group's alleged leader, Felipe Arturo Avalos-Mejia, was arrested in June 2022 after being caught with $120,000 in cash and a record of stolen Nike merchandise. Avalos-Mejia has pleaded not guilty.

The thefts are part of a growing problem across the U.S. Cargo thefts from freight trains have risen significantly, with the nation's six largest freight railroads losing over $100 million in 2022 due to stolen goods and the costs of repairing damaged railcars. The Association of American Railroads reported a 40% increase in thefts, with 65,000 incidents nationwide last year.

Thieves often target trains traveling along remote rail lines, where they can easily spot valuable shipments. They are assisted by accomplices in "follow vehicles" who track rail cars. Once the train stops—either due to a scheduled stop or a cut air hose—the thieves unload the goods, which are then sold for profit.

Despite millions of dollars invested in security measures, freight railroads continue to struggle with preventing thefts. The rail industry has called for tougher penalties and increased federal enforcement to combat the issue. According to BNSF, its internal police force works with local law enforcement and prosecutors, but crews are instructed not to confront thieves directly.

In a separate case, on November 20, a BNSF train near Hackberry, Arizona, was targeted, and authorities recovered 180 pairs of Air Jordan 11 Retro Legend Blue sneakers valued at $41,400. Other heists earlier in the year saw the theft of $346,200 worth of unreleased Nike Air Jordans.

The problem of train thefts has reached a level where companies and law enforcement are increasing security measures. However, as thieves become more organized, the challenges of preventing such heists persist.