Juan Hernandez, the homeless migrant who made headlines for joyriding on a historic FDNY fireboat and stealing a sailboat, was released without bail by Judge Marva Brown on Friday. However, shortly after his release, Hernandez attempted to board a larger ship in Manhattan, according to sources. Immigration officials, unfortunately, are unable to take any action in this situation.
Hernandez, a 22-year-old from Ecuador, had allegedly taken the former FDNY-owned vessel John J. Harvey on a wild journey down the Hudson River before stealing a sailboat in Chelsea for another joyride. Despite being charged with two counts of grand larceny, Hernandez was set free by Judge Brown on Friday morning.
By noon, Hernandez was spotted trying to slip through a gate onto the Frying Pan, a 133-foot lightship with a popular floating restaurant at Pier 66. Workers and owners confronted him, and he eventually ran away after exchanging words with them. Angela Krevey, co-owner of Pier 66 Maritime, stated that Hernandez claimed to have left his passport on the ship, which was not true.
The police were called, but they were unable to take any action as Hernandez was considered a free man. The repeated incidents involving boats have left the owners and workers at Pier 66 baffled. It remains unclear if Hernandez will face charges related to this latest incident.
Eric Fischer, vice president of the Frying Pan, expressed surprise that Hernandez was released without bail, considering the two grand larceny charges. He also mentioned the state’s bail reform laws, which mandate the release of individuals charged with non-violent crimes.
Hernandez is believed to have entered the US illegally through El Paso, Texas, in 2022. He had previously skipped an immigration court hearing in Boston and ended up in New York City. His actions on Thursday led to charges of grand larceny after joyriding on the fireboat and stealing the sailboat.
It is important to note that New York judges have a “non-cooperation agreement” with federal immigration authorities, preventing them from holding migrants like Hernandez for federal authorities, even after arrests.
The situation surrounding Hernandez’s repeated boat thefts and his subsequent release without bail has raised questions about the city’s criminal justice system. Business owners like Angela Krevey are left frustrated and concerned, longing for a return to a safer city.
