Two Queens men were arrested after they were seen climbing out of a Manhattan manhole near a hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regularly stays for the United Nations General Assembly, New York authorities said.
What the complaint says
The NYPD on Friday arrested Samuel Reveron, 25, and Kevin Rodriguez, 26, on two counts of trespassing each. Court records, as described by NBC News, say the men were seen coming out of a manhole near East 61st Street and Park Avenue at about 1:38 a.m. Wednesday.
At around 4 a.m., “the individuals were observed getting back into the vehicles and driving in tandem over the Queensboro Bridge, alerting the automatic license plate readers as to the vehicle’s VIN and license plate numbers,” the complaint said. Reveron and Rodriguez, who own those vehicles, identified themselves as the individuals who entered the manhole, according to the court document.
What the men and attorney say
Authorities said both men stated they went into the manhole together to look for valuables that get washed into storm drains and sewers. An attorney for Reveron said his client’s alleged actions were not aimed at the United Nations or any international officials.
The pair were released after arraignment.
Why this drew extra attention
Similar reports of people emerging from manholes have circulated in New York City in recent months. Police treated this incident with added urgency because of the nearby hotel’s usual guest list during UN week, according to the report.
