Video: NYPD Drones Track Down Teens Accused of Subway Surfing

The NYPD used drones to track and arrest five teenage boys accused of subway surfing after officers spotted riders atop a train, and one suspect was carrying actual MTA keys.
Source Officer.com News
July 28, 2026
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What to Know

  • NYPD drones helped officers track and arrest five teenage boys accused of subway surfing after six people were seen riding on top of subway cars July 20.
  • Drone footage released by the department shows suspects leaving the train and attempting to flee before officers apprehended them on nearby streets.
  • One teen allegedly possessed actual MTA keys, and the group faces reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing charges as police continue warning about the deadly risks of subway surfing.
NYPD
NYPD drone keeps up with New York City subway surfers

NYPD drone footage released shows teens riding atop subway cars, and officers are seen apprehending two suspects after they jumped off.

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NYPD drones helped officers arrest five teenage boys in connection with dangerous subway surfing that was caught on camera.

In the drone video footage the NYPD released Saturday, police radio communication is heard saying six people were seen riding on top of subway cars just before 4:15 p.m. July 20. The footage then shows two individuals getting off the train and trying to flee on the street, where they were apprehended by officers.

According to USA Today, five teenage boys were taken into custody by NYPD officers. One of the keys had actual MTA keys, which can be used to open cab doors or gaining access to the subway's underground tunnels.

The teens face charges of reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing charges.

The NYPD warned of the dangers of subway surfing and pointed to a tragic example that happened two days after the teens' arrests,

"Two days later, a 16-year-old was critically injured for the same dangerous stunt," the department stated.

"Ride inside. Stay alive," the NYPD added.

About the Author

Joe Vince
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Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
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