The Bunkie Police Department responded to a report of two individuals riding on top of a southbound Union Pacific train on Sept. 25. Union Pacific was immediately notified, and the train made a stop in Bunkie.
Upon arrival, Bunkie PD officers located the individuals on one of the rail cars and quickly detained them. The suspects told officers they had been traveling across the United States by riding trains from California. An on-scene investigation determined there was no imminent threat to the public and no evidence of tampering with the train.
The individuals were transported to the Bunkie Police Department, where they were charged with Criminal Trespassing on Railroad Property. They were later booked into the Avoyelles Parish Detention Center #1.
The individuals are Mason Crowe Zimmerman (22), Truckee, CA, and Evan Anthony Susswood (22), Portland, OR.
Assistant Chief of Police Brandon Horton issued the following statement: “I am extremely grateful to the concerned citizens who reported this incident, as well as to the swift actions of my officers. Entering railroad property is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. No matter where you are from, and no matter how big or small the crime, if you come to Bunkie, Louisiana, and violate the law, we will find you and hold you accountable.”