In brief
New York police chased two men in a dramatic chase after they clambered out of a manhole near the hotel expected to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The arrests come amid a string of odd sewer encounters that raised alarms at the start of the UN General Assembly. Authorities warn that entering underground drainage is illegal and dangerous, citing recent deaths and toxic gas risks. The men face conspiracy and trespassing charges, though they pleaded not guilty and were released after a brief hearing. City officials are conducting extra sweeps of strategic sewer exits to protect the sensitive event.
NYC police arrested two men after they were seen climbing out of a manhole near a hotel that was set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the United Nations General Assembly.
Sergeant 26-year-old Kevin Rodriguez and Officer 25-year-old Samuel Reveron were identified by officers and stopped around 4:30 p.m. local time, after police received a call about the suspicious emergence. The suspects were taken into custody on conspiracy and trespassing charges.
This incident follows a number of recent videos showing people jumping off street grates and exploring the underground flood system. In August, a man was captured on camera climbing out of a manhole in Queens early in the morning; earlier that year NYPD recorded three unclothed workers diving into a subway tunnel near Penn Station.
Police warned the public that underground sewers are unsafe, with real danger from toxic gases and sudden flooding. The city’s Department of Environmental Protection has repeatedly urged people to stay away from manholes, catch basins and outfalls.
A fatality last year underscored the stakes when a woman fell into an open manhole in Midtown Manhattan while boarding her car. The city is now conducting enhanced sweeps of key hazards with federal partners to ensure no more surprises during the UN meeting.
