The Sheriff’s Transit Enforcement Unit (TEU) provides dedicated law enforcement services to the North County Transit District, ensuring a safe environment for passengers, employees, and the communities served by their transit services.
On February 4, 2026, the TEU led a joint enforcement operation to improve public safety and secure transit infrastructure along the North County Transit District (NCTD) Sprinter rail line.
The operation focused on the Sprinter Train Right-of-Way (ROW), a large stretch of property from Escondido to Oceanside. These areas, mostly consisting of large fields and brush, have recently seen an increase in illegal encampments occupied by prolific criminal offenders, including individuals on active supervised probation and parole.
The occupants of these illegal encampments have frequently disrupted and endangered NCTD transit services.
This was a joint effort comprised of the TEU, the Vista Patrol Station’s Gang Enforcement Team (GET), and the Oceanside Police Department.
As a result, the operation resulted in the removal of offenders and the enforcement of trespassing laws on transit property.
15 Total Arrests
Multiple felony and misdemeanor warrant arrests
Multiple arrests for narcotics-related offenses
Multiple trespassing arrests from NCTD property
The Sheriff’s Office and its partners will continue to monitor these areas to ensure the long-term safety of the North County Transit District’s properties and passengers.
Media Contact: Lieutenant Noah Zarnow
Noah.Zarnow@sdsheriff.org
