Daniel Ray Ballance, a resident of Quartzsite, Arizona, was arrested on Thursday, July 18, 2026, after authorities said he broke into a Union Pacific locomotive and rode naked atop the moving train in northeastern Colorado. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office reported that Ballance allegedly broke a window to enter the locomotive before climbing onto the roof while the train was in motion.

Witnesses observed Ballance riding naked on the locomotive, prompting deputies to take him into custody. Following the incident, Ballance faces both felony and misdemeanor charges.

According to the sheriff's office, Ballance told deputies he enjoyed "vodka, beer and playing the Banjo," though authorities noted they had to separate him from these interests and the train ride. Ballance is currently held in the Sedgwick County Jail and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Booking photo of Daniel Ray Ballance

Sources