Two Suspects Sought: One in Pink Shower Cap from NYC Subway Crash

A search is ongoing in New York City for two suspects involved in the unusual theft of an empty subway train. One of the suspects was notably dressed entirely in pink. Authorities reported that the duo walked into a subway station, stole the train, and subsequently crashed it.

This incident occurred in the largest subway system in the United States at a time when additional police forces are being deployed to address rising crime rates in the subway. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has even mobilized National Guard troops as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring the safety of subway passengers.

According to a report from the New York Police Department, the theft took place shortly after midnight on Thursday at the Briarwood subway station located in Queens. The report revealed that a man and a woman successfully took control of an unoccupied train and operated it, resulting in a collision that caused damage to the train.

No injuries were reported as a result of the crash, and the suspects fled the scene on foot. As of Wednesday morning, police stated that no arrests had been made.

The pair was captured on surveillance cameras navigating through the empty train at Briarwood station before embarking on what can only be described as a short joy ride. Details provided by authorities indicate that the female suspect has a medium build and complexion.

Further descriptions from the incident report elaborate on the suspect’s attire. The female suspect was last seen wearing a pink shower cap, a sleeveless pink top, pink shorts, and she was also carrying a pink handbag.

The male accomplice is described as having a slim build and light complexion. He was seen wearing a blue tank top, red shorts, and carrying a black backpack.

This event marks at least the second theft of a New York City subway train in less than eight months. A similar incident occurred on December 30, 2023, when a group stole empty trains that were parked in a restricted area near the Forest Hills-71st Avenue subway station in Queens. In that instance, the group accessed the operators’ compartments of two lead train cars and drove them northbound.

This recent surge in subway crime has triggered immediate action from state officials. In January, there was a 45% increase in transit crime compared to the same month the previous year, with grand larcenies being primarily responsible for the rise. In response, Governor Hochul deployed 1,000 state personnel to enhance safety measures, which included the deployment of 250 state police officers and additional Metropolitan Transportation Authority police members to assist the NYPD with increased baggage checks in heavily trafficked subway areas.

Furthermore, Hochul directed the New York National Guard to make an additional 750 members available to help with security efforts, particularly in carrying out checks on subway riders’ bags for prohibited items.

Despite these challenges, the latest statistics from the NYPD suggest there has been a decline in transit crime this year. The numbers indicate a 5.4% decrease in transit crime compared to the same time last year.

As investigations continue and police work diligently to apprehend the suspects, officials urge subway riders to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Source: ABC News