A 15-year-old boy with a history of arrests was apprehended by the NYPD’s Warrant Squad at NYCHA’s Vladeck Houses on the Lower East Side for allegedly taking an empty train on a joyride through Brooklyn last month. The daring heist took place on an R train at 36th Street in Sunset Park and the teen was charged with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass.
This is not the first time the teenager has caused trouble on the subway, according to police sources. In March, he was arrested for assault after allegedly throwing a wooden paddle at a subway passenger while hanging off the back of a 5 train with two other teenagers near Pelham Parkway in the Bronx. The victim was struck while walking down the subway stairs.
The teen’s rap sheet also includes two petit larceny charges and a collar for criminal possession of stolen property. Despite his previous run-ins with the law, the teenager continues to engage in reckless behavior.
The latest arrest comes after the NYPD released surveillance footage of the troublemakers inside the station, with their faces visible. The group attempted to conceal their identities by covering the train’s camera with black marker. The subway reached speeds of approximately 30 mph during the joyride, with at least part of the journey taking place on active train lines.
It remains unclear how far the teens traveled before disembarking from the train. They even posted a video of their escapade on Instagram, showcasing their brazen behavior. While the 15-year-old has been apprehended, three other suspects involved in the incident remain at large.
The authorities are working diligently to ensure that all those responsible for the reckless joyride are brought to justice. The safety and security of subway passengers must be prioritized, and individuals who engage in such risky behavior must be held accountable for their actions.
