OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. — Two people were arrested for dismantling train tracks from the Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park in Old Saybrook and selling the metal pieces to scrap yards.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's (DEEP) Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) were called to the state park on Feb. 26 after the Valley Railroad Company said two people were seen dismantling and removing parts of the railroad track behind the Tractor Supply Co. store.
These train tracks are used by the Valley Railroad Company, which operates Essex Steam Train and Riverboat. They lease the tracks from DEEP, which owns the tracks.
An investigation determined that the two people dismantled about four-tenths of a mile's worth of track, which was then sold as scrap to scrap yards, EnCon said.
EnCon identified the suspects as Nicole Hooghkirk, 38, and Jason Hubbard, 47, both of Clinton. Both were arrested on April 9 and face multiple charges, including damage to railroad property, criminal mischief, larceny, reckless endangerment, and several conspiracy to commit charges.
Both initially had a $25,000 bond and appeared in court on April 9; Hooghkirk was released on an appearance bond and Hubbard was held on a $5,000 bond.
The damage has since been repaired and the track is safe to use.
MORE NEWS
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
