Man Arrested After Climbing Mid-Hudson Bridge to Take Pictures

A dangerous stunt on one of the Hudson Valley’s most recognizable landmarks ended with one arrest and police searching for a second suspect after two people decided it would be a good idea to climb the suspension cables of the Mid-Hudson Bridge on Friday morning.

Two Climb Mid-Hudson Bridge

According to the New York State Bridge Authority, it all began on Friday, May 8th, 2026, when security staff both on the ground and inside the Command Center spotted two individuals trespassing and climbing one of the bridge’s suspension cables.

As you can see in the picture below, it appears the duo climbed the bridge in an attempt to take pictures as one of the suspects appears to be holding a camera.

Seriously...for pictures?

Not only is climbing a bridge cable completely illegal, but it’s also unbelievably DUMB, right? One wrong move on a suspension cable high above the Hudson River, and this story could have ended much worse. All for a picture or viral video? Thankfully, nobody was injured, but one person was arrested.

Bridge Climber Arrested in Highland, NY

Authorities have now identified the suspect who was arrested as 24-year-old Brian Alayo of Newburgh, NY.

The Town of Lloyd Police Department said Alayo was taken into custody on May 8th and charged with Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree after he was allegedly found climbing on the Mid-Hudson Bridge structure.

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Alayo was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Town of Lloyd Court on May 28th, 2026. The second individual reportedly fled on foot toward Oakes Road in Highland and has not yet been identified.

The Bridge Authority made it clear that this type of behavior will not be tolerated and warned that there are "consequences" for anyone caught trespassing on bridge property.

If anyone has information about the incident or the second suspect, they are encouraged to contact the Town of Lloyd Police Department.