Train Theft Suspect led Deputies on Pursui

A Kern County Sheriff's Office deputy assigned to the Walker Basin Substation located a suspicious vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on November 3, 2026, at approximately 7:00 a.m. The vehicle failed to yield and led the deputy on a pursuit through Bena Road and Baker Grade Road.

Additional deputies from the surrounding areas responded to assist as the suspect fled near the 27000 of Caliente Bodfish Road.

Deputies established a perimeter, and with the assistance of air support, department-issued drones, and a canine, the suspect, Miguel Aldaco was located in a culvert where he fled on foot again. Deputies pursued while air support and canine continued to track Aldaco. Aldaco was eventually located and placed under arrest for the following charges: California Penal Code 2800.1(A) Evading arrest, California Penal Code 496(A) Possession of stolen property, California Penal Code 148(A)(1) Obstruct/Resist arrest, California Penal Code 466 Possession of burglary tools, California Vehicle Code 4000(A) No evidence of current vehicle registration, and an outstanding misdemeanor bench warrant.

It is estimated that over $60,000 worth of merchandise was recovered, which was confirmed to be stolen from a BNSF Railway train. Aldaco was transported to the Lerdo Inmate Receiving Facility, where he was booked for the above listed charges.