Man charged after being caught on top of Via Rail train

Train tracks cross a rural country road in North Glengarry. (Google Maps)

By Natasha O'Neill

Posted Aug 15, 2025 11:49:08 AM.

Last Updated Aug 15, 2025 11:49:17 AM.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged a young person for riding on top of a moving train southeast of Ottawa.

The train surfer incident happened on Aug. 13 in a rural area near Alexandria, Ont. Police told CityNews in an email that the person was caught after someone noticed him on top of one of the cars, forcing the Via Rail train to stop.

It happened on the tracks between Dornie Road and County Road 30 in North Glengarry Township.

“I have never seen this happen. It’s a first for me,” Sgt. Michelle Simard, OPP, said in the email.

As a result, Alexander Pinto, 23, of Mississauga was arrested and charged with mischief and enter on land on which a line work is situated.

He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Cornwall court.

OPP said they do not know where the accused hopped on the train or how long he rode on top of the car.

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