Homeless man suspected of stealing two boats from New York’s Chelsea Piers found trapped in Hudson River
CHELSEA, Manhattan (WABC) — An apparently homeless man briefly stole a decommissioned fireboat, became trapped in the Hudson River and then stole another vessel, authorities say.
Juan Hernandez, 22, is accused of first stealing the John J. Harvey, a decommissioned fireboat, from where it was docked at Pier 66 in Hudson River Park around 2:30 a.m.
Police say the man untied him and he floated down the river.
He was unable to start the engine before the ship became stuck at Pier 64.
The man then allegedly jumped into the water and swam to a sailboat currently being used as a rental.
Authorities say the sailboat floated approximately half a mile toward Pier 51, but Hernandez was unable to raise the sails.
The NYPD Harbor Unit tracked him down the Hudson, where they found him lying on the sailboat.
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