Fullerton Family Takes Legal Action Against Union Pacific Over Safety Concerns with Abandoned Rail Line

Fullerton Family Sues Union Pacific Over Abandoned Rail Line’s Impact on Safety

A Fullerton family has initiated legal proceedings against Union Pacific Railroad, alleging that an abandoned rail line near their home has become a breeding ground for crime, homelessness, and fire hazards. The residents of Sienega Drive claim they have experienced years of distress due to escalating incidents linked to the dilapidated property.

For over five years, the family has reached out to Union Pacific, urging the company to secure the area, but their pleas have gone unanswered. The litigation centers on an unused stretch of tracks adjacent to their residential neighborhood, which they say has turned into a dangerous locale.

Since 2019, the family has documented numerous incidents, including encounters with homeless individuals living on the property. They presented video evidence of a man sleeping on a sofa behind their backyard wall. In late 2024, the situation intensified when the family reported a burglary that resulted in the theft of jewelry and cash, reportedly committed by a homeless person. In another incident, footage captured a woman attempting to break into their home, and when unsuccessful, she lingered in their backyard for more than 24 hours.

The family’s concerns escalated further when an unattended campfire on the rail property ignited tinder-dry trees, threatening their home and necessitating firefighter intervention from within their residence.

The emotional toll on the family has been significant. "My daughter has had incidents where she was so frightened by what she saw, she’d end up in our bed, you know what I mean, with nightmares," shared the father. Regarding the lawsuit, he emphasized their desire for improved safety measures: "We’re asking for them to do something about the property, make it not so attractive and not so easy for criminals and homeless people."

Union Pacific responded to the claims, stating, "Union Pacific is committed to working responsibly in the communities we serve and putting safety at the forefront."

A preliminary court hearing to address the family’s claims regarding property maintenance and safety liabilities is scheduled for Friday, March 13. The outcome may have significant implications for community safety and railway property management in the area.