Game device stops trains near Wheaton

Metra trains on the Union Pacific West Line were delayed for about two hours Wednesday afternoon when a suspicious device was found hanging from overpass near the Wheaton Metra station.

The device, which was spotted around 1:35 p.m. hanging from a fishing line underneath a pedestrian bridge, ended up being a geocaching game device, according to police.

The DuPage County sheriff’s office’s explosives unit responded to the scene and determined there were no explosives involved.

Geocaching is a worldwide scavenger hunt-type game where participants place a GPS device inside a package, put it in an interesting or unusual location and log its coordinates online for others to search for.

Wheaton detectives are working with Union Pacific Railroad Police to determine who hung to game piece from the railroad overpass. Police said it is unlawful for anyone to trespass or place any items on or near railroad property.

The device was hanging from the Illinois Prairie Path pedestrian overpass, which is about 500 feet west of the Wheaton Metra station, according to police.

Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said about five trains were affected by the scare.

Passengers on train No. 33 scheduled to arrive in Elburn at 2:06 p.m. were expressed to College Avenue station, where they were transferred to train No. 35, which was running about two hours late, according to Metra.

Other affected trains were Nos. 52, 35, 50 and 54.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wheaton Detective Cmdr. James Volpe at (630) 260-2055.