Manhole Suspects Arrested Near NYC Hotel
Two men arrested after emerging from manhole near hotel where Netanyahu stayed in NYC.
2 min read
Two men were arrested by the New York Police Department (NYPD) after they were found emerging from a manhole near a hotel in Midtown Manhattan, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was staying. The suspects, Kevin Rodriguez and Samuel Reveron, were charged with criminal trespass and conspiracy after being identified for illegally entering the city’s sewer system to search for valuables and scrap metal.
Incident Details and Investigation
The incident occurred on September 23, with the men entering the sewer system through a manhole around 1:38 a.m. at the intersection of Park Avenue and East 61st Street. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the men emerge from the manhole near the hotel, prompting a swift security response from both the NYPD and the U.S. Secret Service.
Initially, authorities were concerned that the suspects might pose a threat to Netanyahu and other international dignitaries attending the United Nations General Assembly. However, the NYPD later concluded that the men were likely searching for lost items, such as jewelry and valuable metals, that had been flushed into the city’s storm drains and sewers.
Investigation and Arrests
NYPD detectives used surveillance footage, license plate readers, and vehicle registration records to track the suspects. The men were seen exiting the manhole and hopping into two waiting vehicles, which crossed the Queensboro Bridge around 4 a.m. License plate readers captured the identities of the occupants, leading to the identification of Rodriguez and Reveron.
Both suspects were released after appearing in Manhattan criminal court, while authorities continue to search for their remaining accomplice. Their attorney, Brian Kennedy, stated that the men’s actions had no connection to the UN or visiting foreign officials, emphasizing that it was “entirely plausible” for someone to enter the sewer system in search of valuables.
Broader Context of Underground Incursions
The arrests come amid a series of reported underground incursions in New York City, where individuals have been seen entering and exiting manholes in various boroughs. These incidents often involve individuals wearing waders, boots, and headlamps, and have been linked to searches for lost jewelry, gold chains, and other valuable items that can be resold on the black market.
These events have sparked online speculation about urban explorers, scavengers, and potential theft rings. The Park Avenue incident, in particular, drew significant attention due to the sensitive security environment surrounding Netanyahu during the UN General Assembly.
Source: PJ Media
