Shocking video from a Chicago news helicopter on Friday showed a group of robbers looting a freight train moments before they were confronted by police with guns drawn.
Chopper 7 with ABC Chicago were on the scene as a group of looters They traveled by train in the South Austin neighborhood on Chicago's west side.
The loot also included televisions and flyers. According to a report by CBS News.
Officials say this type of cargo theft is not uncommon on railroads, but it is rarely, if ever, broadcast live on television.
Just before 4 p.m., footage emerged of scammers pulling boxes from cargo trailers on Union Pacific-owned railroad tracks. Groups climb over each other and distribute loot.
Police were eventually called to the scene and the confrontation with the robbers was broadcast live on television. Police swarmed the area with guns drawn as some suspects tried to flee in cars.
The scene was so shocking that one newscaster asked him to “step away” from the live shot as officers apparently approached the thieves, fearing the possibility of a live shooting.
Instead, the other anchor told the helicopter cameraman to “stand back” and as the scene progressed, “we can stay put.”
There were no reports of shots fired and no arrests.
Less than an hour after police and looters left the scene, ABC7 in Chicago captured more people breaking into vehicles.
There was a similar intrusion back in august – Police say thieves broke into a freight train there and stole multiple televisions.
“Rail robbery poses a security threat to the public, employees and local law enforcement officials,” a Union Pacific spokesperson said.
