In an unusual and potentially dangerous incident, a 16-year-old boy has been charged with operating a train car without authorization on December 30 near the Forest Hills-71st Avenue station in Queens. As reported by the police, the teenager, along with a group of unidentified individuals, gained access to the compartments of two lead train cars that were not in service at the time.
According to authorities, the young individuals managed to drive the train northbound for a short distance before evacuating the premises on foot. The boy, whose name has not been released due to his age, faces charges including reckless endangerment, criminal tampering, and trespass.
Richard Davey, the President of New York City Transit, has acknowledged that MTA subway keys have been sold online and announced that, as a result of the incident and associated risks, the agency is considering changing the locks on the operators’ cabins to prevent future unauthorized access. The MTA is cooperating with law enforcement to address this security concern.
The NYPD is actively investigating the incident and seeking additional suspects. They have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to submit tips anonymously. New Yorkers can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS, submit information online at the Crime Stoppers website, download the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or text tips to 274637 followed by TIP577. Tips in Spanish can be conveyed by calling 1-888-57-PISTA.
The daring escapade has raised concerns about the security and supervision of train operations and is being treated with serious attention by transit authorities. Further measures and policy decisions are likely forthcoming as this incident undergoes further review.
