At a Glance
- Two 18-year-olds were filmed riding on top of a Coaster train in North County on Friday at 5 p.m.
- Joseph Medina-Rivera of El Cajon and Brad Ellgen of Oceanside admitted to the stunt and were cited for trespassing
- The incident occurred as the four-car train headed north toward Del Mar during a colorful sunset
- Why it matters: The dangerous trend has caused five deaths and 50+ injuries in New York last year, though no local fatalities have been reported
A viral video showing two teenagers train-surfing atop a Coaster train in North County led to their arrest on Monday, authorities confirmed.
The footage captured the pair – one standing and “surfing” while the other lay down holding a cell phone – as the train traveled north toward Del Mar during Friday’s sunset around 5 p.m.
The Incident
Multiple witnesses reported the dangerous stunt to authorities after spotting the teens on the moving train. The video shows the young men being buffeted by wind while a small crowd of sunset-watchers on a nearby bluff rushed for a better view as the four-car train passed.
Deputies launched a search based on witness descriptions and located the suspects a few blocks apart in Solana Beach:
- Joseph Medina-Rivera was found in the 200 block of South Coast Highway 101
- Brad Ellgen was located in the 300 block of South Cedros Avenue
Both teens admitted to riding atop the train and were cited for trespassing on railroad property, a misdemeanor charge. They were subsequently released, though court dates were not immediately available.
Legal Consequences
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the serious safety risks in a Monday news release: “Individuals who engage in trespassing or dangerous behavior around railroad equipment/tracks pose serious safety risks to themselves and others.”
The North County Transit District plans to pursue charges to the fullest extent of the law. Chief of staff Mary Dover noted the agency rarely encounters people surfing atop trains and has not experienced any related deaths.
Coaster trains can reach speeds up to 90 mph, making such stunts potentially fatal. Dover issued a stark warning to those considering similar acts for social media fame: “It’s not worth your life, and it’s not worth potential legal action that we will take.”
National Context
The local incident reflects a troubling national trend. In New York alone last year, similar high-speed stunts resulted in:
- 5 deaths
- 50+ injuries
The dangerous practice has gained traction on social media platforms, where users seek viral fame through increasingly risky behaviors.
Investigation Status
Authorities continue investigating how the teens gained access to the train. The North County Transit District’s investigation remains ongoing as officials work to prevent future incidents.
Local resident Gina Gunderson, who witnessed the aftermath, urged young people to make safer choices: “Be safe. Don’t jump on moving trains or risk your life. You’ve got a long life ahead of you. Go surf in the water.”
