(The Associated Press circulated the following story on April 18.)
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A 17-year-old boy was arrested in an attack on an Amtrak engineer who was dragged from his train and hit with rocks and bottles.
The teen, whose name was not released because of his age was arrested by Amtrak police Tuesday shortly after the attack, said Amtrak spokeswoman Vernae Graham.
The suspect allegedly was part of a mob that had forced the Capitol Corridor train to stop by standing on the tracks Monday night. The engineer opened a door when the group threatened a conductor, and they dragged him out and assaulted him, authorities said.
The motive for the attack remained under investigation, and police continued to search for four to six additional suspects, Graham said.
The train, which originated in San Jose, was nearing the end of its run in Sacramento when the incident occurred.
“It is the most horrific incident I have seen in my nearly 40 years in the railroad business,” said Eugene Skoropowski, managing director of the Capitol Corridor.
The engineer was taken to the UC Davis Medical Center, where he was treated for head injuries and possible internal injuries. He was expected to be released Thursday, Graham said.