NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Security is tight in New York City with the United States General Assembly underway in Midtown East, leading the NYPD to conduct additional sweeps after three people were seen climbing out of a sewer in the Upper East Side early Wednesday morning.
Authorities responded to a 911 call reporting the suspicious activity outside 535 Park Ave., near East 61st Street, at about 4:30 a.m.. Investigators said that the suspects popped the sewer grate, pulled themselves up and fled north.
"We have seen a number of incidents over the past few months of individuals going into the sewer system to look for valuables and other scrap metal after a storm," the NYPD said in a statement. "This incident fits that same criteria, but out of an abundance of caution ... the NYPD is conducting additional security sweeps with our federal partners."
Entering the system is illegal and dangerous, with sewers containing numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces. Wednesday's incident comes after several people were seen in different areas of the city over the summer climbing out of manhole covers.
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection said that officials have inspected the sewer and that the infrastructure is safe.
"If observed, residents should immediately call 911 and provide a description so law enforcement can quickly respond," the DEP said. "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."
