Two men have been arrested in New York City after allegedly emerging from a manhole, exiting the city's underground sewer system on Wednesday. Kevin Rodriguez, 26, and Samuel Reveron, 25, both from Queens, were arrested on Thursday on charges of conspiracy and trespassing, the New York Police Department (NYPD) said.
Police stated that three men were seen exiting a manhole near a hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly expected to stay for the United Nations General Assembly. Officers were called around 4:30 EST (9:30 BST) on Wednesday, and the men allegedly fled the scene.
During a hearing on Friday morning, both Rodriguez and Reveron pleaded not guilty and were released from custody, according to court records. The NYPD stated that this incident fits the criteria of previous incidents where people entered the sewer system to look for valuables and scrap metal after a storm. However, due to the U.N. General Assembly and the location's sensitivity, the NYPD is conducting additional security sweeps with federal partners.
Officials have cautioned that entering the New York sewer system is illegal and dangerous due to risks of toxic gases and flooding. The city's Department of Environmental Protection has previously advised the public never to enter pipes, drains, catch basins, manholes, or outfalls.