A group of teenagers were arrested after breaking into a booth aboard a moving New York City subway train, giving them access to the locomotive's controls, according to police.
The teens, all of whom are minors, were able to get into an unauthorized area at the back of a northbound 4 train as it traveled between the 161st Street and 167th Street stations in the Bronx after 7 p.m. Saturday, police said. It wasn't clear whether the teens had somehow obtained a key to the booth or were able to make one that opened the door.
Once inside, the train operator "became aware that there had been vandalism" and immediately reported it, MTA Spokesperson Aaron Donovan said. The train was held at the next station while dispatchers contacted police.
The four male suspects — a 14-year-old, a 16-year-old and two 17-year-olds — were taken into custody on the train, police said. They face potential charges including reckless endangerment, tampering and criminal trespass.
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The MTA said that the teens never had the ability to control or impact the train's operations.
