Police arrest teen allegedly involved in shooting of tourist at Times Square store

The New York Police Department (NYPD) announced on Friday the arrest of a suspect believed to be responsible for the shooting of a tourist at a store in Times Square on Thursday evening. Identified as a 15-year-old Venezuelan migrant residing in a temporary city shelter in Manhattan, the teenager was apprehended in Yonkers on Friday afternoon, according to NYPD sources.

The incident unfolded at approximately 7 p.m. on Thursday when the teenager, accompanied by two others, was reportedly attempting to steal a jacket from JD Sports located at 1466 Broadway. As recounted by law enforcement officials, upon being intercepted by the store’s loss prevention officer, the teenager brandished a firearm and discharged it in her direction.

Tragically, the discharged bullet struck the left knee of a 38-year-old female tourist from Brazil, who was awaiting her turn in line to purchase shoes. The victim was expeditiously transported to Bellevue Hospital for medical attention and was subsequently discharged, having sustained a non-life-threatening injury.

Following the incident, one of the suspects was promptly apprehended by responding officers, while the remaining individuals, including the 15-year-old, fled the scene. In a subsequent pursuit, it is alleged that the teenager fired two shots into the crowded streets of Times Square, posing a significant risk to public safety.

Addressing the media during a press conference on Friday evening, NYPD Assistant Chief Jason Savino emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the perilous nature of the teenager’s actions. Notably, despite being targeted by gunfire, the pursuing officer remained unharmed and refrained from returning fire.

The diligent efforts of law enforcement officers culminated in the arrest of all three suspects involved in the incident. It has been disclosed that the individuals arrested are classmates, underscoring the collaborative nature of the investigation. Throughout the course of the inquiry, authorities engaged with numerous individuals and utilized high-quality photographic evidence to facilitate the identification and subsequent apprehension of the suspects.