On August 30, 1909, Elmer L. Johns of Lykens, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, on a dare while under the influence of alcohol, hijacked a steam locomotive from the Pennsylvania Railroad yards at Lykens. His intent appeared to be to run the engine onto the main line, but in moving through the yard, it derailed when it passed over an open switch. Railroad officials stated that a disastrous collision could have occurred with the Lykens Valley Accommodation, a passenger train proceeding from Millersburg to Lykens, which was on the main track and nearing the station.