U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Tampa, Florida  

$5,000 Reward Offered For Information in the Train Derailment Case

A $5,000.00 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who were responsible for the 7/30/2006, train derailment at the intersection of Busch Boulevard and Himes in Tampa.

The derailment was caused by someone deliberately placing a metal object called the "knuckle" on the tracks. This act caused the train to derail and overturn causing approximately $150,000.00 in damages.

The investigation continues with the search for two teenagers, as persons of interest regarding this incident. Both are described as white, 14-15 years of age, and dressed alike in black pants with silver chains, black t-shirt with light grey writing, black converse shoes with unknown writing on the white part and purple make-up on face. They appeared to support the "Gothic" culture. They're described as follows:

Subject #1: Male, 5'10", 200 pounds, medium build, with short, black, curly hair.

Subject #2: Female, 5'8", 200 pounds, stocky build, with shoulder length, frizzy, thick, black hair with a pink stripe.

Any information regarding these individuals, please notify the local FBI office at (813) 253-1106.

This investigation is being conducted by CSX Transportation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Tampa Police Department.