A New York City migrant from Ecuador stole two boats and attempted to take a third after a zero-bail release. 22-year-old Juan Hernandez commandeered the historic FDNY-owned John J. Harvey fireboat and took police on a chase on the Hudson River. He hopped from that boat and stole another, smaller sailboat to escape. He was arrested and released without bail. The very next day, Hernandez attempted to take another boat, this time it was “The Frying Pan,” a 133-foot lightship that is permanently docked and utilized as a restaurant. Hernandez is believed to have entered the country illegally in 2022 through El Paso, Texas.
SOURCES:
Migrant who ‘swiped’ FDNY boat freed without bail, immediately strikes again: witnesses
Man accused of stealing boats gets stuck on Hudson River – YouTube
Homeless migrant allegedly stole NYC fireboat in Hudson River: cops
Man accused of stealing boats gets stuck on Hudson River
Yonkers police, migrants scuffle at hotel shelter – YouTube
Man steals not 1, but 2 boats on NYC’s Hudson River, police say – CBS New York
Suspected homeless man accused of stealing 2 boats from NYC’s Chelsea Piers found stuck on Hudson River – ABC7 New York
