Grants Pass man charged with pulling lever, causing $1 million freight train derailment in Klamath Falls

MEDFORD, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Grants Pas man is facing federal charges for manipulating railroad track equipment and causing a derailment last week at a Klamath Falls rail yard that left $1 million in damage.

Craig David Saddler, 62, has been charged by criminal complaint with wrecking, derailing or disabling railroad equipment and vehicles, federal prosecutors said Monday.

According to court documents, on Monday, August 12, officers responded to reports of Saddler trespassing at the Union Pacific Railroad yard in Klamath Falls. He was reported to be on the railroad near a lever that redirects the train to different tracks.

While a train occupied by Union Pacific employees was in motion, Saddler pulled the lever, causing the tracks to switch and the train to derail. The derailment caused an estimated $1 million in damage to the railway, four rail cars and surrounding property.

Saddler fled the railyard, but officers quickly located him less than a mile away. Saddler stated he witnessed the train derail, but denied involvement. He was arrested after a witness identified him as the man who pulled the lever, causing the derailment. 

Saddler made his first appearance in federal court Monday before a U.S. magistrate judge and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from other agencies. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Judi Harper.