Manhattan Sewer Intrusion Near Netanyahu Hotel Linked to Citywide Scavenging Trend
Two men were arrested after emerging from a manhole near the Park Regency hotel in Manhattan, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was staying during the UN General Assembly. Police say the suspects, Kevin Rodriguez and Samuel Reveron, told investigators they were searching for gold and other valuables washed into the storm drains. The incident, which occurred predawn on Wednesday, triggered a security response involving the NYPD and US Secret Service due to its proximity to a high-profile location. Both men pleaded not guilty to trespassing charges and were released, with Reveron placed on supervised release due to a pending unrelated charge. The case is part of a broader pattern of sewer 'spelunking' incidents across New York City, where individuals have been caught entering sewers to scavenge for scrap metal and jewelry.