NYPD Investigates Sewer Trespassing Near Penn Station

The New York Police Department is investigating after surveillance footage showed three people climbing out of a sewer manhole near Penn Station early on August 18 at 4 a.m.

Officials believe these individuals, who wore overalls and headlamps, may be migrants searching for valuables underground in the sewer system.

The NYPD is actively seeking the three people seen in the video and reviewing footage from the incident on Seventh Avenue by 32nd Street.

In previous incidents earlier this year, four arrests were made in Brooklyn's Williamsburg and Gravesend neighborhoods. Those arrested admitted to scavenging for valuables, though charges were often dismissed or declined since many were first-time offenders.

Detectives have noted a scavenging culture similar to that seen in countries like Venezuela, which experienced a surge of migrants to New York City starting in 2022.

A construction worker near Penn Station, Matt McCann, said he has witnessed such underground activity before.

"I don't know what the hell they're doing down there because they get the waders on. You know, they got their coal miners caps going on," McCann said.

New York City's sewer system consists of about 7,400 miles of wastewater and stormwater pipes, much of it built in the 19th century.

The city’s Department of Environmental Protection emphasized the dangers and illegality of entering the sewers. A spokesperson said, "Entering the sewer system is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces. For these reasons, members of the public should never enter a pipe, drain, catch basin, manhole, or outfall."

Following inspections after recent incidents, officials confirmed no damage to the city's infrastructure.

Similar cases have been reported in Queens, where arrests were made but charges were not pursued.