Full Breakdown
Sewer Trespassing Near UN General Assembly Sparks Arrests and Heightened Security
By Drooid · · How we work
The Upper East Side Manhole Incident
Early Wednesday morning, around 4:30 a.m., three unidentified individuals were captured on New York Police Department (NYPD) surveillance footage climbing out of a manhole at the intersection of Park Avenue and East 61st Street on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. After emerging, the trio fled northward in two separate vehicles—a silver sedan driven by a white man in a black hoodie and a four-door car driven by a man in a black shirt and gray shorts. The location is directly across from the hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to stay for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Background & Context
The incident occurred amid a string of similar sewer-related trespassing events reported across New York City in recent months. Prior sightings include:
- May 5 (occurred) – first documented sightings near Aki Auto Care in Queens.
- May 28 (occurred) – a Brooklyn manhole intrusion that led to two arrests.
- August and September 2026 – multiple exits from manholes in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, some captured on video.
Officials have warned that entering the city’s sewer system without authorization is illegal and hazardous, citing risks of toxic gases, flooding, and confined-space injuries. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has repeatedly cautioned the public against such activity.
Data & Statistics
- Three individuals were seen exiting the Upper East Side manhole; two (Kevin Rodriguez, 26, of Flushing, and Samuel Reveron, 25, of Elmhurst) have been arrested and charged with trespassing and conspiracy.
- A third individual remains at large, according to the NYPD.
- The NYPD has documented dozens of similar incidents citywide since early 2026, including reports near Penn Station, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
- Charges of trespass in New York are not bail-eligible; Rodriguez was released on his own recognizance, while Reveron was placed on supervised release.
Official Statements & Responses
The department added that, given the proximity to the UNGA and the presence of international dignitaries, additional security sweeps are being conducted with federal partners.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Arrest Status: While the NYPD confirms the arrests of Rodriguez and Reveron, some outlets report that investigators are still searching for a third suspect.
- Number of Incidents: Sources differ on the total count of sewer-related trespassing events in 2026, with estimates ranging from “dozens” to “about 25” individuals documented across boroughs.
- No definitive motive has been established.
Timeline
| Date (general) | Event |
|---|---|
| May 5 (occurred) | First recorded sewer-related sightings near Aki Auto Care, Queens. |
| May 28 (occurred) | Brooklyn manhole intrusion leading to two arrests. |
| Early Wednesday (?4:30 a.m.) | Three individuals climb out of Upper East Side manhole; flee in two vehicles. |
| Thursday | Arrests of Kevin Rodriguez and Samuel Reveron; charges filed. |
| Friday | Rodriguez and Reveron plead not guilty at arraignment; released on recognizance/supervised release. |
| Ongoing | NYPD conducts additional security sweeps around UNGA venues; investigation continues for third suspect. |
The surge in sewer trespassing incidents, amplified by heightened UNGA security, has prompted coordinated law-enforcement actions and renewed public safety warnings from city agencies.