Teen accused of shooting tourist in Times Square indicted: DA

TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (PIX11) — A 15-year-old boy who allegedly shot a tourist and fired a shot at an officer in Times Square on Feb. 8 was Indicted on Monday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced.

Jesus Rivas-Figueroa was indicted on two counts of attempted murder in the second degree, two counts of attempted assault in the first degree, one count of assault in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, according to officials.

“This shooting occurred in the middle of a crowded Times Square teeming with New Yorkers and tourists. This defendant is charged with allegedly recklessly firing his weapon inside of a store – striking a tourist – and then turning the gun on a police officer who was courageously attempting to place him under arrest. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure full accountability for gun violence,” said Bragg.

Before the shooting, Rivas-Figueroa and others tried to steal items from JD Sports in Times Square around 7 p.m., according to court documents. An employee working at the store tried to stop Rivas-Figueroa, but that’s when he allegedly took out a gun and fired at the employee, according to documents.

The bullet missed the employee, hitting a 38-year-old woman visiting New York City from Brazil. Officials said the woman was taken to a hospital to be treated for her injury.

After responding to the 911 call, two NYPD officers tried to place Rivas-Figueroa in custody. The teen continued to run, but not before turning and firing the gun at one of the officers, according to court documents.

Officials said after a 24-hour search, Rivas-Figueroa was found hiding in a house in Yonkers and taken into custody.

Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in the New York City and Washington D.C. areas. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter .

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