Unidentified groups have been captured on surveillance video entering and exiting Manhattan's sewer system in at least three separate incidents over recent days.
2:40 PM
Surveillance footage has documented multiple incidents of unidentified individuals entering and exiting New York City's sewer system through street-level manholes in Brooklyn and Queens over the past several days.
The first documented incident occurred late Thursday, May 29, in Flatbush, Brooklyn, on McDonald Avenue and Colin Lane. Video shows at least seven men gathered around a manhole after midnight. Some appeared to be wearing waders and gloves. The men descended one by one using flashlights to guide their way, with vehicles positioned nearby to illuminate the area. The same group emerged from the manhole just after 2 a.m. Friday morning. Upon exiting, several of the men appeared to change clothes, with some appearing shirtless as they gathered near waiting vehicles before driving away. The sound of a manhole cover being replaced was audible in the footage.
Approximately an hour before the Flatbush incident, a separate group of eight people was seen entering and exiting a sewer manhole in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, according to surveillance video.
A third incident was reported in Queens on May 5 at around 2 a.m. near 250th Avenue in Astoria. Surveillance video shows three men casually approaching a city manhole. One of them removed the cover, and the three then entered the sewer system. A nearby idling car provided a spotlight to assist them as they went underground.
Aki Jakapovic, who was working late at an autobody shop near the Queens location, witnessed the incident. "I was born and raised in Astoria, Queens, you know. I've seen a lot of crazy stuff happen, but that was a first," Jakapovic said.
Police sources told CBS News that the men are believed to be "treasure hunters" and urban explorers looking for valuables in the sewer system. It remains unclear whether the same group is responsible for all the incidents. The NYPD is investigating the occurrences to determine if they are connected.
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection stated that entering the sewer system is illegal and extremely dangerous. The agency cited hazards including noxious gases and unstable surfaces as reasons for the prohibition. If caught, the individuals could face burglary charges, according to police sources.
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