2 crooks out smarted by water after attempting to steal train horn in Tulare

TULARE, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new type of water helped police arrest two suspects Friday morning in Tulare for attempting to steal a locomotive train horn.

According to Railroad Officials, two suspects, Justin Lira and Andrew Donaldson, were seen by officials attempting to steal a train horn from one of their parked locomotives.

Railroad Police caught Lira as he attempted to steal the train horn and Donaldson was apprehended a short distance away from in Lira's vehicle.

Using a special UV-light specific for detecting a liquid called SmartWater, authorities observed the liquid on Lira and on the getaway vehicle.

SmartWater CSI is a mineral based liquid that marks thieves for a period of time.

The SmartWater had been applied to the engine train horn area on September 12th. One squirt of SmartWater leaves an unmistakable mark lasting at least five years.

The makers of SmartWater keep a secure database of users and can identify an owner by the markers within a week.

"Today's arrests show that SmartWater CSI is a great tool for law enforcement and property owners in Tulare County," Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said.

Both Lira and Donaldson were charged with attempted grand theft and aiding and abetting to commit a felony-- bail was set at $20,000 each.