Police, along with surprising video footage, revealed that a masked climber, described as a “Daredevil,” had to be apprehended while attempting to scale the Roosevelt Island tram on Monday evening.
The 20-year-old suspect was seen casually pacing along the gangway of the tram’s 250-foot-high support tower on the Manhattan side.
The footage showed him occasionally leaning against the railing, seemingly distracted as he checked his phone.
At one moment, he descended before climbing a series of short ladders within the tower, navigating an i-beam that was just wide enough for his feet, as he filmed his own exploits.
An astonished New Yorker called 911 just before 7 PM to report the unusual sighting of someone scaling the tower.
Officers arrived at the scene and utilized climbing gear to reach the suspect, while an NYPD helicopter hovered above. As they approached the summit, the suspect was caught on camera making a defiant gesture, spreading his arms wide.
Meanwhile, Emergency Service Unit officials and FDNY firefighters watched from below in Andrew Haswell Green Park, clearly entertained by the unfolding drama.
One officer bravely made it to the top and secured the suspect with safety equipment, managing to descend safely without injury, according to police reports.
Emergency services then transported the thrill-seeker to Weil Cornell Medical Center, but his identity remained unconfirmed, and charges were pending as of Monday night.
Authorities indicated that there’s no evidence linking the climber to any protest or cause, though the situation is still under investigation.
In 2004, a man from Astoria climbed the tram tower but was arrested by the NYPD and charged with trespassing. His stunt was similar to a prank seen in a decade-old episode of the reality show Unrealistic Joker, where a character pretended to scale the tower.
It remains unclear whether that show had permission for such actions, but reality TV producers have indicated that such risky stunts are unlikely to proceed without city approval.
