MPD stresses danger of hanging out near railroad tracks after arrests 

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Maricopa Police, following a recent string of arrests, are reminding the public of the dangers of loitering on or near the railroad tracks that run through the city. 

“It is important to remember that considerable danger can exist in and around the railroad environment,” said Monica Williams, public-safety information officer. “We thank and appreciate our community members for being mindful of these dangers and avoiding being in prohibited areas around the railroad tracks.”  

According to Arizona law, entering or remaining on railroad tracks or other property owned by a railroad company can result in a person being charged with criminal trespassing in the third degree, a misdemeanor.  

Maricopa Police arrested Jonathan Kindelay and Collene Gordan just after 2 a.m. on Feb. 28 in connection with criminal trespassing near the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The siblings are suspected of walking to the tracks in a prohibited area near John Wayne Parkway and Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, and then crossing them before police intervened.  

On Feb. 24, police responded to a call at 6:43 p.m. of a man on the tracks near Loma Drive. When the call was received it was “unknown if he was breathing or hurt,” according to police documents.  

Police did not confirm if the man was injured but he was arrested on two warrants.