Thirty-two cases of commercial-grade fireworks were stolen Wednesday from a CSX train in the Midwest, authorities said.
The train departed Chicago and traveled to Detroit. It is believed the cases were stolen while the train was stopped in Ohio, Ginger Colbrun, spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives, said Friday.
The theft was discovered when the train arrived in Detroit, CSX spokesman Rob Doolittle said.
While the motive is unclear, Colbrun says it could range from profit to entertainment, based on previous commercial fireworks trafficking cases.
“It is an unusually large amount of fireworks to be stolen,” Colbrun said.
The fireworks should be considered very dangerous and not meant for public use. The cases contained 2½-inch to 5-inch aerial fireworks.
CSX is working with ATF, which is taking the lead in the investigation. Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call 313-202-3400.
