“Trend” Obsession... Teenagers Risk Their Lives Riding on Top of Subway Cars
The New York Police Department announced the arrest of four boys while riding the subway in the Bronx area, noting that they are among about 200 people rescued thanks to the use of drones since the launch of a program to combat this type of behavior.
According to the police, drones spotted the boys—aged between 12 and 16—riding a fast-moving train heading north, as it passed under a bridge and several above-ground stations in the Bronx last Thursday.
NYPD released footage showing one of the boys climbing onto the roof of the train and squatting directly as it passed under a bridge on Westchester Street, before being joined by three other boys who emerged from between the cars and stood on top of the train, where one slipped after standing up. The scenes also showed the boys jumping on the train’s roof while it traveled through the Bronx area.
After the NYPD drone team circulated descriptions of the boys to officers, the police managed to stop the train and arrest the boys before they suffered any serious injury.
Authorities explained that hundreds of subway trespasser arrests have occurred since the use of drones began in November 2023 as part of efforts to enhance safety.
In a social media post, the NYPD commented: “This isn’t thrilling, it’s deadly dangerous. Our drone technology has saved 200 subway trespassers before tragedy struck. We watch from the sky… because you matter… down here, ride inside the train and stay alive.”
As of July 6, three people have died due to subway riding in 2025, compared to two in the same period last year, officials said. A total of six deaths occurred in 2024 related to this activity, with five deaths reported the previous year.
Among the latest fatalities is Carlos Oliver, a 15-year-old boy riding the No. 7 subway train in Queens during the July 4 weekend. Officials say he lost his balance and fell as the train entered Queensboro Plaza station. He was rushed to the hospital but died.
