New York police have arrested one of two people suspected of taking and crashing an empty subway train.
The person arrested, a 17-year-old girl, is charged with criminal mischief for the incident at the Briarwood subway station in Queens, shortly after midnight on September 12.
She and her partner are accused of entering the train and the operation of the train, then causing a “collision”, after which they fled on foot.
The search continues for the partner. No injuries were reported in the crash.
It is not clear how the couple gained access to the train.
They could drive the vehicle about 50ft (15m), said Demetrius Crichlow, the interim chairman of the New York City transit authority.
Asked how the pair managed to control the train, Mr Crichlow said: “It is not clear at this point the experience of these two individuals, (or) where they got it.”
He described the short trip as “an extremely stupid and reckless act” and said security cameras had been installed “aggressively” to prevent repeat incidents.
In addition to the charge of criminal mischief, the arrested teenager was also charged with reckless endangerment.
Surveillance images released by police showed a suspect dressed entirely in pink — including a shower cap.
The second person has been described by police as a male with a slim build and light complexion – who was last seen wearing a blue tank top and red shorts, and carrying a black bag.
A similar incident was reported in January at the Forest Hills-71st Avenue station, also in Queens. Again, no one was injured and no damage was reported.
At the time, officials speculated that a stolen key was used.
He moved to reassure the public that the train would not be able to leave its yard and reach the active tracks.