Video of two people on top of a Coaster train in North County — one “surfing” and the other lying down — made the rounds on social media over the weekend, and, on Monday, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department said the pair were arrested.
The footage shows the men, both of whom law enforcement said are 18, being buffeted by the wind, a technicolor sunset to the west, as the train barrels north toward Del Mar on Friday at about 5 p.m. Some commenters online pointed out that it appeared that the person lying down, who is holding a cell phone, might have been shooting video, though SDSO Lt. Josh Stone declined to confirm that element at this stage of the investigation.
A small crowd of onlookers on the bluff just above, probably out to take in the sunset, can be seen rushing for a better look as the four-car train passes.
Deputies, who said multiple people reported the incident, began a search after they were provided with a description of the suspects. The two teens were located a few blocks apart in Solana Beach, one in the 200 block of South Coast Highway 101 and the other in the 300 block of South Cedros Avenue, according to the sheriff’s department
Both of the teens — Joseph Medina-Rivera of El Cajon and Brad Ellgen of Oceanside — admitted riding atop the train, according to deputies. They were cited for trespassing on railroad property, a misdemeanor, and released, according to Stone, who was unsure when the teens were due in court.
“The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public that individuals who engage in trespassing or dangerous behavior around railroad equipment/tracks pose serious safety risks to themselves and others,” stated a news release issued by SDSO on Monday.
In New York, the high speed stunts have been met with deadly consequences — at least five deaths and more than 50 injuries last year.
North County Transit District chief of staff Mary Dover said the agency doesn’t often see people surfing on top of its trains and that it hasn’t had any deaths. She urges people to remember it’s illegal to trespass on the tracks and on top of the trains that can travel up to 90 mph.
“Anybody that thinks that this is a good idea if they’re interested in doing it for going viral or for their 15 minutes of fame, it’s not worth your life, and it’s not worth potential legal action that we will take,” Dover said.
NCTD said it’s still investigating what happened. Dover said the agency plans to press charges to the full extent of the law in order to keep passengers and people around the tracks safe.
Gina Gunderson is thankful the teens lived to see another sunset.
“Be safe. Don’t jump on moving trains or risk your life,” Gunderson said. “You’ve got a long life ahead of you. Go surf in the water.”
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
