SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Andrew Goltz took his roommate and a friend to the site of a fatal train crash in Brookings -- that authorities say he caused -- and was proud when he learned there were injuries, an FBI agent testified Tuesday, the Argus Leader reported.

The newspaper reported that Goltz, 20, appeared for a preliminary hearing on a charge of willfully derailing and wrecking a Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad train Aug. 26.

FBI agent Douglas Heilman testified that Goltz's roommate and a friend told investigators they visited the site at about 5:30 a.m. There, the three heard the news that train engineer Dennis Baum, of Huron, had lost an arm.

"He proclaimed, 'I can honestly say I derailed a train' and he threw his arms up high," Heilman said, holding his arms high above his head, with clenched fists.

But Goltz said he was physically sick when he heard the news of the injuries when questioned by officers.

Authorities have refused to name the informants, who Heilman said were afraid that Goltz could harm them.

Under cross-examination by defense attorneys, Heilman acknowledged Goltz told him he meant for the train to continue on another track rather than crash. 

"He didn't tell you he thought the train would come to a sudden and disastrous halt?" asked defense attorney Sid Strange.

"No, he didn't," Heilman said.

If convicted of causing the accident that killed conductor Brad Davis of Huron, Goltz could face the death penalty.

Heilman said the crash was caused when a railroad switch was shifted to divert the train to a side track where it plowed into eight parked boxcars.

The tampering likely happened between 2 a.m. and the 3:40 a.m. derailment.

Authorities found a broken lock on the switching mechanism and a plastic garbage bag tied over a warning reflector. Heilman said a print matching Goltz's finger was found on the plastic tie on the bag.

Goltz moved to Brookings about a month ago from Sacramento, Calif.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John Simko ruled that Goltz should remain in jail and found that there was enough evidence to bind the case over for trial.

No plea was entered. A Sept. 15 arraignment is scheduled.