Historic Train Whistle Still Missing After Arrest in Sutherlin Theft Case

SUTHERLIN, Ore. - Police are asking for help finding a historic steam whistle stolen from the locomotive on display at Sutherlin’s Central Park, after an investigation led to an arrest in California.

The Star Brass five-chime whistle was cut from the city’s 1921 Cooke oil-fired steam locomotive on September 15, according to a Sutherlin Police Department release.

Police said the investigation identified Brenden Miller, 18, of Redding, California, as a suspect. Officers obtained an arrest warrant for Miller and a search warrant for his residence.

Sutherlin officers traveled to Redding and, with assistance from the Redding Police Department, contacted Miller at his home. Police said he was arrested and lodged on charges of first-degree theft and first-degree criminal mischief.

The whistle was not found during the search, and its whereabouts remain unknown.

The locomotive is part of a Central Park display that also includes a coal car and an original caboose. According to the city, the engine represents the steam locomotives used to haul logs and timber products from the Cascade Mountains above Sutherlin during the region’s logging era.

Police are seeking information from anyone who saw suspicious activity near the locomotive on or around September 15. Surveillance footage, descriptions of people or vehicles, and information about attempts to sell or purchase the whistle could help investigators.

Authorities ask anyone who believes they know who is involved to pass that information to law enforcement and avoid approaching or confronting the person.

Anyone with information can contact the Sutherlin Police Department at 541-459-2211 or the Douglas County Dispatch Center at 541-440-4471.