Two Queens men were arrested Wednesday after authorities said they emerged from a New York City manhole near Park Avenue and East 61st Street, triggering an elevated police response in a sensitive area during the United Nations General Assembly.
Samuel Reveron, 25, and Kevin Rodriguez, 26, were each charged with two counts of trespassing, according to a criminal complaint. The incident occurred at approximately 1:38 a.m.
Authorities said the men told investigators they entered the sewer together to search for valuables washed into storm drains and sewers. Police increased their response to the incident because of the location's proximity to a hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had stayed during prior New York visits, and because of heightened security measures in place during the U.N. General Assembly.
Investigators used surveillance video and license plate reader data to identify vehicles connected to the incident, according to court records. The complaint indicated the men were seen getting into a vehicle at the scene.