NYPD: More than a dozen people seen entering, exiting Brooklyn manholes

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — More than 12 people were seen arriving, descending, and then leaving a pair of Brooklyn manholes Thursday and Friday.

PIX11 reported that, according to the NYPD, “At least seven people were seen entering the sewers via a manhole near McDonald Avenue and Colin Place in Gravesend around 11 p.m. on Thursday and emerging around 2 a.m. Friday.”

The 62nd Precinct posted to Facebook in reference to the incident.

“Earlier today, authorities conducted a thorough investigation following reports of unauthorized individuals inside the sewer system on McDonald Avenue. The NYPD and other agencies have completed their sweep, confirming the area is safe and free of hazards,” the post read.

But this instance near McDonald Avenue was not the only reported incident of people going into the sewers Friday.

A handful of miles away at Heyward Street and Bedford Avenue, eight people were seen entering a manhole about 1 a.m. before escaping the authorities via automobile after exiting the manhole at 4 a.m.

A Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson told PIX11 that entering the sewer system is illegal.

The spokesperson said, “Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces. For these reasons, members of the public should never enter a pipe, drain, catch basin, manhole, or outfall.”

It’s not clear why these individuals were in the sewer system.