Teen Immigrant Suspected of Times Square Shooting Arrested

Police arrested a 15-year-old immigrant from Venezuela believed to be the prime suspect in a shooting in Times Square. The arrest came a day after the chaotic events of Thursday night, where the teen allegedly shot a tourist and fired at pursuing officers while evading apprehension for shoplifting.

A reward of $13,500 had been offered for information leading to the capture of the shooter. After a press conference releasing information on their suspect, law enforcement apprehended their target in Yonkers on Friday, Feb. 9. The boy remains detained in a Manhattan precinct.

Suspect in multiple crimes

On Thursday night, the suspect and two other teenagers attempted to steal merchandise at JD Sports at Broadway and West 42nd Street. When confronted by a female security guard, the situation escalated, leading to gunfire. A stray bullet struck a 37-year-old woman visiting from Brazil in the leg who was shopping nearby. Emergency services transported her to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition. The weapon used in the Times Square shooting was a .45 handgun and how the 15-year-old procured it is still unknown.

Thursday’s shooting is not the only crime the young suspect may be connected to. Through surveillance images and ballistics evidence, authorities tie him to two other violent crimes. First an armed robbery in the Bronx , and before that a shooting in Bryant Park earlier in January.

NYPD Assistant Commissioner of Public Information, Carlos Nieves, stated that it is not yet determined if the teenager involved in the recent incidents will face charges as an adult.

Safety in the city

The incident also sparked concerns about public safety in Times Square, a bustling tourist destination. Police Chief of Patrol John Chell addressed the media after the Thursday night shooting.

Groups of migrants — I say some, not all — are affecting crime in our city, more so now than when they first got here

But Chell continued that the NYPD is not targeting these migrants by saying, “ I want to be clear here again. We don’t care what you are, what your status is .”

As investigations continue, authorities urge anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).