Grants Pass Man Faces Federal Charges for Causing Train Derailment

Medford, Oregon- A man from Grants Pass, Oregon, is facing federal charges for allegedly tampering with railroad equipment, resulting in a significant train derailment.

Craig David Saddler, 62, has been formally charged by criminal complaint with wrecking, derailing, or disabling railroad equipment and vehicles. The charges stem from an incident on August 12, 2024, at the Union Pacific Railroad (UPR) yard in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

According to court documents, authorities responded to reports of Saddler trespassing near a lever at the UPR yard. This lever is used to redirect trains to different tracks. While a UPR train occupied by employees was in motion, Saddler reportedly pulled the lever, causing the tracks to switch. The train subsequently derailed, resulting in an estimated $1 million in damages to the railway, four railcars, and surrounding property.

After the derailment, Saddler fled the scene but was apprehended by officers less than a mile from the railyard. Though Saddler claimed he only witnessed the derailment, a witness identified him as the person responsible for pulling the lever.

Saddler appeared in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, where he was ordered detained pending further proceedings. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Judi Harper, following an investigation by the FBI with assistance from other agencies.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and Saddler is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.