FBI ups reward for train sabotage info

BRANT, N.Y. (WIVB) - The feds are now upping the ante in the search for a passenger train saboteur on the southern tier.

Authorities are pouring a lot of resources into the investigation. The FBI has even sent evidence collected at the scene to its laboratory for processing. Now they're willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars for information.

U.S. Attorney William Hochul said, "People who have information need to come forward now."

Federal, state, local and Amtrak authorities are turning up the heat, hoping to get a solid lead on who's responsible for trying to derail a passenger train.

"Merely attempting to derail a passenger train as this one was, is an offense punishable by life imprisonment," said Hochul.

Around 8:45 in the morning on July 5th, the passenger train, traveling at 70 miles-per-hour and carrying 354 people, struck a barricade made up of railroad ties. News 4 asked the head of the Buffalo FBI office if this could be characterized as an act of terrorism.

Buffalo FBI Special Agent-in-Charge James Robertson said, "It does, I guess, in some respects, look that it could be an act of terror. That's what terrorists want to do is create terror in the minds of innocent people."

Authorities say the material was deliberately placed on CSX tracks in the town of Brant some time after 4:00 that morning. The FBI is doubling the reward money for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

“We're increasing our reward from $10,000 to $20,000,” said Robertson.

Amtrak says it has not had any other problems in the area since the attempted derailment.

Robert Smith of the Amtrak Police said, “We are working closer, naturally, with our partners, whether it be state, local or federal agencies, to provide extra patrols. Give the area extra attention.”

The train suffered some damage to its undercarriage, although no one was injured in the July 5th incident. Once again, there's a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The FBI number is 856-7800.