Stolen drain covers cause car damage

A thief stole more than a dozen city drain covers sometime Wednesday night, creating hazards for drivers and pedestrians near Erie Street and East Elmira Street.

Public Works spokeswoman April Hernandez said a total of 15 intake grates were missing, which crews replaced temporarily by welding metal plates over the holes. 

Workers also welded down the remaining drain covers in the area. 

Myra Heredia, who works in the area, found out about the open drains the hard way: The right wheel of her car fell into the hole.

"When I went to park and I was straightening it out, I felt a bump and I tried to reverse and it wouldn't move," Heredia said.

Heredia's car suffered minor damage, and she had to have a tow truck pull her out.