Proximity of Homeless Poses Risk at Railroad Tracks

Arrests Made After Failing to vacate Premises Near Railroad Tracks

PALM DESERT — Five individuals were arrested and booked this week into the John Benoit Detention Center for various charges after they failed to vacate the premises near the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, Sgt. Jeff Cryder reported.

On April 24, the Riverside Sheriff’s Palm Desert Station’s Business District Team and Special Enforcement Team, in collaboration with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Team, Union Pacific Railroad Police, and Cal Fire, responded to the railroad property along the south side of Interstate 10 between Bob Hope Drive and Washington Street in Palm Desert after posting two-day notices to “vacate the premises.”

This operation was conducted due to safety concerns from Union Pacific and the close proximity of encampments and subjects to the railroad tracks.

Personnel from the listed agencies planned this safety operation to clean up a buildup of refuse and arrest individuals who refused to leave the railroad property.

Deputies walked the length of both sides of the railroad tracks and contacted 12 individuals living on or near the tracks. As the individuals were contacted, cleanup crews responded and removed approximately 20 encampments.