NEW YORK – Authorities in New York City are actively investigating an incident where a group of individuals allegedly took an empty subway train for a joyride.
On Wednesday, the police released both images and video footage capturing six suspects who reportedly seized control of an unoccupied “R” train during the weekend.
Surveillance footage reveals the group, all clad in hooded jackets, exiting the conductor’s compartment and roaming through the vacant subway car.
Additionally, a video documenting their escapade was circulated on Instagram, as reported by a local news outlet.
In the clip, one individual is seen at the train’s controls while another is positioned on the exterior of the car, their legs swinging over the side.
“Cover your faces. Cover your faces,” one member of the group can be heard saying as the train speeds through the tunnel.
Officials from the police department indicated that this joyride took place around 10 p.m. on Saturday at the 36th Street and 4th Avenue Subway Station located in Brooklyn.
Details regarding the duration and distance the suspects traveled on the stolen train have not been disclosed by the police or transit authorities, though it has been noted that the group caused damage to glass panels installed on the train’s camera.
After the incident, the suspects made their escape on foot, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Representatives from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority confirmed that they are collaborating with law enforcement during the investigation.
In response to the events, authorities are offering a reward of up to $3,500 for any information leading to the identification of the suspects, who are facing charges for reckless endangerment.
Janno Lieber, the chairman of the MTA, expressed strong disapproval regarding the security failures that allowed the train to be stolen.
He emphasized the necessity for the transit agency to enhance its security measures beyond basic locks and keys as they upgrade their fleet.
“I’m burned about this,” Lieber stated on Wednesday, highlighting the need for improvements in the security and monitoring systems that should prevent unauthorized train operations.
Previously, back in September, police reported that two teenagers also commandeered an empty subway train in Queens for a short duration before crashing it and fleeing the scene.