In a surprising turn of events, New York police have detained a 17-year-old girl in connection with the unauthorized operation and subsequent crash of an empty subway train. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on September 12 at Briarwood subway station in Queens.
Details of the incident
Authorities allege that the teenager, along with an accomplice, managed to enter and operate the subway train, leading to a “collision” before fleeing the scene on foot. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the aftermath of the crash. The search is ongoing for the second suspect involved.
Unanswered questions
The method by which the pair accessed and operated the train remains a mystery. Demetrius Crichlow, the interim president of the New York City Transit Authority, stated that the train was driven approximately 50 feet. When questioned about the pair’s ability to control the train, Crichlow remarked, “It’s unclear at this point the experience of these two individuals, (or) where they got it.”
Security measures and charges
Describing the event as “an extremely foolish and reckless act,” Crichlow emphasized efforts to “aggressively” install security cameras to prevent similar incidents. In addition to criminal mischief, the arrested teenager faces charges of reckless endangerment.
Police have released surveillance images showing one suspect fully dressed in pink, including a shower cap. The second individual is described as a male with a slim build and light complexion, last seen wearing a blue tank top and red shorts, and carrying a black backpack.
Past incidents
This event follows a similar incident in January at the Forest Hills-71st Avenue station, also in Queens, where a stolen key was suspected to have been used. Officials have reassured the public that the train would not have been able to leave its yard and access active tracks.