Any person who wilfully or maliciously places any obstruction or any other thing on the track of any railroad within the limits of the city, or who tears up, removes, burns or destroys any part of such railroad, or the works thereof, with intent to obstruct the passage of any engine or car thereon, or to throw them off the track, is guilty of an offense, punishable as provided in this code. (1997 Code § 16-102)