A Niagara Falls resident is facing federal charges after prosecutors say he repeatedly tampered with a CSX railroad switch this summer, creating the risk of derailments involving trains carrying hazardous chemicals. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the arrest Wednesday following the filing of a criminal complaint.
According to the complaint, the incident began on June 22nd when Amtrak employees informed CSX workers that a padlock had been swapped on a switch at the CSX Transportation Niagara Rail Yard on 29th Street. Railroad switches allow trains to shift from one track to another. The trains operating in that yard regularly transport chlorine, sulfuric acid, and bleach.
Investigators say Amtrak’s lock had been removed and replaced with one designed to be opened with a universal key. Because of the lock change, the switch could not be operated quickly, delaying a passenger train. On June 23rd, CSX installed surveillance cameras in the area. Footage allegedly showed 66-year-old Charles Wilson entering the yard on an ATV and changing the padlock. Workers then had to remove the unauthorized lock and restore the switch to its proper setting…