NYPD Hunts Young Gunman Suspected in Times Square Shooting
ICARO Media Group
In a disturbing incident that unfolded in the heart of Times Square, the NYPD is now on a manhunt for a young gunman believed to be a migrant. The suspect is accused of shooting an innocent tourist and firing at a police officer during a failed robbery. To aid in the capture of the suspect, a reward of up to $13,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
According to police sources, the incident occurred on Thursday evening at the JD Sports store located at West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue. The suspected shooter, along with two others believed to be teenagers, were seen bagging up stolen items, possibly sneakers, on the store's second floor.
The chaos began when a female security guard confronted two of the robbers in the store's lobby area. In an attempt to resist, the suspect wearing an all-white outfit pulled out a gun and fired in the guard's direction. Fortunately, the bullet missed her but struck a 37-year-old tourist from Brazil who was inside the store at the time.
As the gunman and one of his accomplices fled the scene, the third young individual remained behind. While patrolling the area, police were able to apprehend one of the fleeing suspects, a 15-year-old who is reportedly being housed at a Midtown migrant shelter.
However, the main gunman continued to flee, firing two shots at a pursuing police officer near West 47th Street and Sixth Avenue. Miraculously, the officer was unharmed, and no return fire was exchanged due to the crowded vicinity.
The gunman managed to escape by seeking refuge in the subway at West 46th Street and Sixth Avenue, where he discarded his white jacket. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell stated that extensive resources are in place to locate the shooter, emphasizing that he had endangered the lives of officers and an innocent bystander.
Sources have confirmed that the 15-year-old and the third individual initially taken into custody were subsequently released, leaving the primary suspect still at large. Meanwhile, the injured tourist, who sustained a gunshot wound above her left knee, was able to find safety in a storage room before being rushed to Bellevue Hospital. Thankfully, she is now in stable condition and has returned to her hotel.
Authorities are deeply concerned about the incident and its potential implications for public safety. Recent increases in shoplifting incidents, often involving migrants seeking shelter in the city, have raised alarms among law enforcement officers. They fear the development of gang-related structures within shelters and are anxious to determine whether this shooting was an isolated incident or part of a larger trend.
As the search intensifies for the young gunman, the NYPD urges anyone with information to come forward. The safety of residents and visitors to Times Square remains paramount, and the police are determined to bring the suspect to justice.