Manhattan police investigate men climbing out of Upper East Side sewer

Police are investigating an incident on Manhattan’s Upper East Side where three individuals were seen climbing out of a sewer near Park Avenue and East 61st Street early Wednesday morning. The individuals reportedly entered the sewer system through a subway access gate at East 63rd Street and Fifth Avenue and were believed to have been underground for several hours.

Surveillance footage captured the men fleeing the scene in two vehicles: a silver sedan and a four-door vehicle. Authorities believe the group was searching for lost valuables or copper to resell. This incident is thought to be part of a broader pattern involving more than 20 similar cases of individuals entering the sewer system for scavenging.

While the activity occurred near locations associated with the United Nations General Assembly and the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, officials stated the incident does not appear to be linked to those high-profile events. NYPD and federal agents conducted sweeps of the area as a precaution, but nothing suspicious was found. One person is believed to be under questioning, while two others remain sought by police.