NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — Three unidentified people were seen climbing out of a sewer on Manhattan’s Upper East Side before fleeing in two vehicles early Wednesday morning, according to the NYPD.
Police said officers responded to a 911 call about a possible crime at about 4:35 a.m. near 535 Park Ave. at East 61st Street. When officers arrived, they learned three individuals had exited a sewer and left the area, traveling northbound on Park Avenue.
The incident was captured on an NYPD surveillance camera, authorities said.
One vehicle was described as a silver sedan driven by a white man wearing a black hoodie. The second was described as a four-door vehicle driven by a man wearing a black shirt and gray shorts.
No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing, police said.
The unusual sighting comes as police maintain heightened security in areas surrounding the United Nations General Assembly, which has brought world leaders and international delegations to New York City this week.
The incident is the latest in a series of reports involving people entering or emerging from sewer and manhole systems across the New York area in recent months. Similar incidents have been reported near Penn Station, in Queens, Brooklyn and on Long Island.
In some cases, those involved told police they were searching underground for valuables.
Law enforcement officials say the most recent incident seems to fit the same criteria, but out of an abundance of caution due to the General Assembly, the NYPD is conducting additional security sweeps with federal partners.
The city’s Department of Environmental Protection has previously warned that entering the sewer system without authorization is illegal and dangerous. A spokesperson issued a new statement about the latest incident:
“DEP is aware of individuals illegally entering the sewer system at this location. DEP has inspected the sewer and our infrastructure is safe. If observed, residents should immediately call 911 and provide a description so law enforcement can quickly respond. DEP supports the NYPD in investigating these types of incidents to help ensure the safety and security of our critical infrastructure throughout New York City.”
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