'Like the Ninja Turtles': Videos show groups climbing in and out of Brooklyn sewer manholes
NEW YORK - The NYPD is investigating after two groups of people were seen entering and exiting sewer manholes in Brooklyn, including one incident caught on video in Gravesend.
What we know:
Police said one incident happened near McDonald Avenue and Colin Place in the 62nd Precinct.
According to DCPI, a sewer manhole cover was removed at the location.
Police said seven people were seen entering the sewer around 11 p.m. Thursday and exiting around 2:05 a.m. Friday.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active.
The NYPD’s 62nd Precinct said authorities conducted a thorough investigation after reports of unauthorized people inside the sewer system on McDonald Avenue.
Police said the NYPD and other agencies completed a sweep and confirmed the area was safe and free of hazards.
Second Brooklyn incident
Police said another incident happened near Hayward Avenue and Bedford Avenue in the 90th Precinct.
According to DCPI, eight people were seen entering a manhole around midnight.
Police said the group exited around 2:40 a.m., got into a car and drove away.
No arrests have been made in that incident, and police said there is no known motive at this time.
The backstory:
The unusual sightings have raised concerns in Brooklyn and sparked an NYPD investigation.
The New York Post reported that an NYPD Emergency Services and New York City Department of Environmental Protection investigation conducted underground found the incidents appear to involve people scavenging for items of value that may have ended up in the city’s sewer system.
Sources told the Post that urban scavenging for items such as coins, wallets, scrap metal or jewelry is more common in other countries.
What they're saying:
Admir Jakupovic, CEO of AKI Autocare, spoke with FOX 5 after the incidents drew attention in the city. He said the videos looked "literally like the ninja turtles."
What we don't know:
Police have not released the identities of the people seen entering and exiting the manholes.
Investigators have not confirmed an official motive.
It is also unclear whether the two Brooklyn incidents are connected.
What's next:
The NYPD investigation remains ongoing.
Police have not announced any arrests.
The Source: The Source: This article was written using information from the NYPD, DCPI, the NYPD 62nd Precinct, security video, FOX 5 reporting and the New York Post.