NYPD Drone Captures Teens in Risky Subway Surfing Stunt in NYC
- July 16, 2025
- 0
In a startling incident in New York City, a group of young individuals was apprehended after engaging in a perilous activity known as subway surfing. The New York Police Department (NYPD) used drone surveillance to capture footage of three teenagers and a 12-year-old boy riding atop a moving subway train. The event unfolded on Thursday as the northbound 6 express train traveled beneath the Westchester Avenue Bridge.
The NYPD’s Technical Assistance Response Unit Drone Team was conducting anti-subway surfing operations when they spotted the youths climbing onto the train. The drone footage, later obtained by Fox News Digital, showed the minors standing and forming a line on top of the train, with some even jumping and spreading their arms. This risky behavior prompted immediate action from law enforcement.
Upon receiving the drone footage, transit district officers were alerted with descriptions and photos of the four boys. The train was subsequently stopped at the Parkchester station in the Bronx, where the young individuals were taken into custody. This incident marked a significant milestone for the NYPD Drone Team, as it represented the 200th subway surfing apprehension since their operations began in November 2023.
The dangers of subway surfing have been tragically highlighted in past incidents. In 2023, a 15-year-old boy lost his life while engaging in this activity on a train crossing the Williamsburg Bridge. He struck his head on a structure and fell beneath the train, underscoring the severe risks involved.
The NYPD’s proactive use of drone technology aims to deter such dangerous activities and enhance public safety. By preventing potentially fatal incidents, these operations have saved numerous lives over recent months. The department continues to emphasize the importance of safety and vigilance in preventing similar occurrences.