NYC Subway Train Stolen and Driven in Crazy Joyride

This weekend, three individuals were caught on camera stealing an R subway train and taking it for an unauthorized joyride. The incident, which was recorded and subsequently shared on social media, has sparked outrage and raised serious safety concerns.

The Theft

The NYPD reports that the theft occurred around 10 p.m. on Saturday. MTA employees discovered that the unoccupied R train, 9108, had been moved from its designated storage track at the 71st Avenue Station in Queens. The joyriders, all wearing black clothing and masks, even took the time to cover the train's interior cameras.

The video shows the suspects operating the train, with one person's legs dangling out the front door over the tracks at high speed. The train's doors were locked, suggesting the use of transit keys. According to transportation expert Robert Paaswell, "They obviously knew something about both where the train was and how to operate a train, and how to get the keys." The train was later found near its original location.

Investigation and Previous Incidents

The NYPD is investigating the incident as an act of reckless endangerment. This isn't the first time such incidents have occurred. In September, two teens crashed an unoccupied train in Queens. There were also similar incidents in January of last year.

The MTA is cooperating with the NYPD investigation, and they are analyzing the train's "black box" data to determine the extent of the joyride. No arrests have been made yet. The NYPD encourages anyone with information to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish, or submit a tip online or via DM to @NYPDTips.

Public Reaction

Commuters have expressed concerns about the potential for serious injuries or fatalities had someone been in the path of the moving train. One commuter commented, "Imagine somebody is in front of the train... They can fall on the tracks and the train would run over them. It would be over."

This incident highlights significant security vulnerabilities within the NYC subway system and raises concerns about the safety and security measures in place.