Man Charged With Stealing Train Makes Federal Court Appearance

The man charged with stealing two locomotives and driving them from one mine to another last week formally heard the charge against him in federal court on Wednesday.

Derek Skyler Brux faces one count of violence against a railroad carrier, U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Shickich told him during his initial appearance.

Brux had been a Rail Link employee and coal loader operator at the North Antelope Rochelle Mine, according to federal court records.

Last Thursday, he received a call from a supervisor that angered him, so he unhooked two Burlington Northern Santa Fe locomotives from the rest of a train, drove around one mine site, entered the main line -- one of the busiest sections of track in the country -- and drove 13 miles at speeds averaging 60 mph before a switch diverted him into another mine, colliding with a parked Union Pacific train, and then fleeing on foot before being apprehended, according to court records.

No one was injured in the incident, but the costs of damaged equipment are in the scores of thousands, according to court records.

Shickich told Brux that, if convicted, he faces up to 20 years imprisonment a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release.

He nodded and responded softly when the judge asked him questions.

Unlike the other orange-clad defendants during the session, Brux was wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans. He was wearing the cuffs and chains.

Schickich told Brux he will appear in court again for a detention hearing and possibly an arraignment the same day.

He remains in custody.