Driver left trailer on train tracks, then confronted conductor, Florida cops say

A Florida driver is facing felony charges after he left a trailer blocking the path of an oncoming CSX train, then tried to climb aboard to confront the conductor, according to investigators.

The incident happened just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, in the Mulberry area, and the suspect, 38-year-old Josue Castaneda-Castro, was driving with a revoked license, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said in a Sept. 2 news release.

“Upon arrival, deputies learned that (the) train conductor was operating the train when a black Chevrolet pickup truck pulling a homemade trailer drove parallel to the tracks. The suspect then crossed in front of the train, causing the trailer to become stuck on the tracks and obstructing the train’s movement,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Castaneda-Castro exited the vehicle and engaged in a verbal confrontation with the conductor. He then disconnected the trailer from the truck and drove away eastbound, leaving the trailer behind, blocking the tracks. Moments later, he returned to the scene and attempted to enter the train car while continuing to act aggressively toward the conductor,” authorities said.

The trailer was still blocking the train when deputies arrived and the watched as the suspect got into his pickup and “attempted to reverse toward them,” officials said.

“Deputies ordered him to exit the vehicle, which he initially complied with, but he refused to answer questions and repeatedly tried to return to his truck. Deputies also noted the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the suspect,” the sheriff’s office said. “When asked to step away from the vehicle for further questioning, Castaneda-Castro resisted and grabbed one deputy’s arm. The deputy deployed an agency-issued Taser, but it was ineffective, and the suspect fled on foot toward a wooded area.”

A search was initiated and a sheriff’s office K-9 found the suspect “hiding under heavy brush,” officials said.

“Castaneda-Castro then grabbed (the dog’s) collar and struck and kicked the dog multiple times, ignoring repeated warnings from deputies. He was ultimately taken into custody,” the sheriff’s office said.

An investigation revealed Castaneda-Castro’s driver’s license had been revoked in January 2023, and he had been previously deported, officials said.

Castaneda-Castro was charged with:

• Felony interfering with a railroad track
• Felony interfering with a railroad train
• Felony trespassing
• Felony battery on a law enforcement officer
• Felony striking a police canine
• Felony unarmed burglary of an occupied conveyance
• Misdemeanor driving with a suspended license
• Felony resisting an officer without violence
• Felony resisting an officer with violence

“Due to his illegal immigration status, all charges were enhanced by one degree,” the sheriff’s office said. “Immigrations and Customs Enforcement was contacted and an immigration detainer was placed on Castaneda-Castro.”

Mulberry is about a 35-mile drive southeast from Tampa.

This story was originally published September 3, 2025 at 11:03 AM with the headline "Driver left trailer on train tracks, then confronted conductor, Florida cops say."