UPDATE–Authorities Say Investigation Into Vehicle Left On Railroad Tracks In Grand Junction Is Ongoing

An investigation is ongoing, but a Grand Junction woman has been charged after abandoning a vehicle on the railroad tracks, which was later hit by a train. A deputy with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office was notified and responded to the incident along with the Iowa State Patrol at approximately 10:28 p.m. Thursday. The Iowa State Patrol reports that 62-year-old Shari Ann Allen had, for unknown reasons, turned the 1999 Toyota CRV she was driving onto the railroad tracks at the 16^th Street crossing in Grand Junction. She drove east on the tracks, before getting stuck just west of 19^th Street. However, instead of seeking assistance, she left the small SUV on the tracks and went home. A westbound Union Pacific train struck the vehicle. Allen was later located at her residence and taken into custody. She has been charged with driving while revoked and first-offense trespassing. No injuries were reported. The CRV was totaled in the accident and the train sustained front end damage. The Jefferson Police Department and Grand Junction Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.