Two Teens Arrested for Stealing Subway Train in Forest Hills
Police Respond to Reports of Vandalism
Two teens were arrested after they were allegedly seen on surveillance camera as part of a group that stole a subway train in Queens and took it for a joyride, according to police.
The brazen theft took place just before 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 25 near the 71st Avenue station in Forest Hills along the E/F/M/R lines, according to the NYPD. Officers initially responded to reports of vandalism, but were met by an MTA employee who reported several people boarded the unoccupied R train and then took it on a joyride for a short distance.
Damaging Cameras and Putting Lives at Risk
The individuals damaged some of the train’s cameras by placing markings on them, according to police, who later released video showing the suspects. There were believed to be six people sought by police in all.
Arrests Made, Charges Filed
On Monday, police confirmed that two teen boys, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old, had been arrested in connection to the incident. Both were charged with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and trespassing; the younger teen was also charged with possession of burglary tools. It was not immediately clear whether the teens had hired attorneys.
MTA Response
“Breaking into and moving subway cars is dangerous, illegal, and will not be tolerated. We thank the NYPD for capturing these perpetrators who not only put their own lives at risk but also riders and transit workers,” said NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “Those hooligan games cannot happen, and that’s why we’ve stepped up security at key transit locations and are actively exploring new technologies to prevent access and control of the operator’s cab.”
Previous Incidents Raise Concerns
Some riders have questioned the MTA’s security after a number of concerning incidents, including one in September in which police alleged two suspects entered the Briarwood subway station and stole a train on the E/F line. The teens in that incident were arrested after allegedly crashing the train.
In a Dec. 2023 incident, several suspects swiped two trains in Forest Hills and took them on a joyride before ditching the locomotives.
Ongoing Investigation
An investigation remains ongoing.
Conclusion
The arrests of the two teens bring to an end a brazen incident that raised concerns about the security of the MTA system. The incident highlights the importance of continued efforts to prevent unauthorized access to subway trains and the need for robust security measures to protect riders and transit workers.
FAQs
* When did the incident occur?
+ January 25, just before 10:30 p.m.
* Where did the incident occur?
+ Near the 71st Avenue station in Forest Hills along the E/F/M/R lines
* How many people were arrested?
+ Two teen boys, aged 15 and 17
* What were they charged with?
+ Reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, trespassing, and possession of burglary tools
* Is the investigation ongoing?
+ Yes
