Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Around 4 a.m. Tuesday morning, a railroad crossing arm was found on the ground in the 3600 block of Meridian Road in Harvey County.

"The lights were flashing, and going off," said Undersheriff Todd Hanchett, Harvey County Sheriff's Office.

Hanchett says the crossing was more than likely pulled out of the ground with some sort of rope, one that was attached to a vehicle that left behind specific tracks.

"That, in my opinion, is a unique type of tire. It's not something people drive around with every day. It could be used out in the farm, or for someone's toy that they go muddin' with," said Hanchett.

Railroad crews spent nearly 12 hours replacing the crossing, one that cost the county $15,000.

"Every time that expense goes into the railroad, that means our bills go up paying for food, and all of our items," said Hanchett.

This isn't the first railroad crossing arm that's been pulled down in Harvey County. In the past few years, several have been pulled down.

Hanchett says even if some people think it's a funny prank but it's actually one that's very dangerous.

"We've had a previous case like this where they just tore it down for a prank. They thought it was funny," said Hanchett. "Tearing down the arms is potentially dangerous. Someone could miss something, and hit a train in the middle of the night."

Since deputies cannot be everywhere, every night, Hanchett says it is important residents pay close attention to their surroundings.

"Something like this doesn't really take that long. People need to be our eyes and ears, and then, we'll respond for them," said Hanchett.

If you have any information on who may have torn down the railroad crossing arm, you're asked to call the Harvey County Sheriff's Office at 316-284-6960, or Crimestoppers at 316-284-2400.