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Police seek trailer, electric train stolen in Pleasant Hill

PLEASANT HILL — Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a trailer containing a popular electric train that was stolen from a parking lot early Sunday.

Around 8 a.m., officers responded to the 3300 block of Vincent Road for a business owner’s report of the overnight theft of a black 1st Interstate utility trailer with a California license plate of 4NN4556.

Inside the trailer was an electric train owned by The Fun and Game Experts, a 26-year-old amusement rental company serving Contra Costa and southern Alameda counties. Police said the trailer is valued at $60,000.

“Please, for anyone who knows me and my family, you know how much this company means to us and how hard we work to make a lot of people happy. PLEASE help get the word around the area,” a family member linked to the company said Sunday on social media.

On Sunday evening, Walnut Creek resident Eric Sossamon, who owns the trailer and train, said he’d just gotten back from a picnic Saturday at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.

“I came in Sunday and it was gone,” Sossamon said. “I was devastated. I had a party to go to Sunday, and I had to tell them I couldn’t come.”

The 25-foot electric trackless train, which he described as a “kid magnet,” seats 16 to 20 people comfortably and makes regular appearance at East Bay festivals and parties, he said. The cargo trailer that holds the train had just been upgraded with new railings and belts to secure it inside.

“I’ve even offered a reward,” Sossamon said. “If somebody can find the train for me, I’ll put it out for four hours at the charity or nonprofit of their choice.

“Whoever took it stole something that makes a lot of people happy, creates smiles and makes a lot of people have fun. It’s more than just my job, it’s an experience and I want it back.”

Anyone with information should call Pleasant Hill police at 925-288-4600.

Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.