Repeat Offender: Teen Migrant Arrested Again in Connection to Macy's Robbery in Queens

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
14/02/2024 21h44

In a startling turn of events, Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, a migrant teenager who was previously arrested and released following the Times Square gang attack on NYPD officers, has been apprehended once again. This time, Gomez-Izquiel was arrested in connection to a recent robbery at Macy's department store in the Queens Center Mall.

According to the NYPD, Gomez-Izquiel, 19, was taken into custody on Wednesday morning on charges of robbery and petit larceny. The arrest came just a day after he and three other suspects, who are still at large, stole around $608 worth of clothing from the Macy's store on Queens Boulevard.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry expressed frustration over Gomez-Izquiel's repeat criminal activity, stating, "One of the migrants who assaulted our officers last week in Times Square is back at it again... This is the last thing NYers need."

The robbery took place on Tuesday evening when Gomez-Izquiel and the three other suspects entered the Macy's store and concealed merchandise in a bag. As they attempted to leave, they were confronted by a 27-year-old security guard. A struggle ensued, and one of the suspects punched the guard in the face.

The security guard sustained minor injuries but refused medical attention. The suspects fled the scene on foot, heading westbound on Queens Boulevard. The NYPD is now seeking assistance from the public in identifying and locating the three remaining suspects involved in the robbery.

The first suspect is described as a female approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, wearing a black bubble jacket, a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers. She was seen carrying a dark-colored bag. The second suspect is described as a male approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, wearing a multicolored baseball cap, a blue jacket, gray jeans, and black and blue sneakers. He was seen carrying a black bag. The third suspect is described as a male approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, wearing a black skull cap, a black bubble jacket with a black hooded sweatshirt underneath, black jeans, and black and white sneakers.

Surveillance video released by the police shows the trio inside a subway station. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline or submit tips through the Crime Stoppers website. All information provided will be treated as strictly confidential.

This latest arrest comes on the same day that Yarwuin Madris, another migrant involved in the Times Square attack, was expected to appear in court. Madris was reportedly arrested in the Bronx on Tuesday.

In the aftermath of the attack, one of the migrants, Yohenry Brito, was held without bail. However, Gomez-Izquiel and four others were charged with assault but released. It is believed that some of those released individuals fled to California using fake names provided to a church-affiliated non-profit group.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg recently announced additional indictments against the six individuals involved in the Times Square attack. Police body-camera footage revealed the chaotic moments leading up to the brawl between the migrants and the police officers. Bragg emphasized the importance of identifying and charging only those who committed criminal acts in this incident to prevent innocent individuals from being ensnared in the criminal justice system.

One previously charged individual, Wilson Juarez, is now believed to have been a bystander during the attack. However, he has since been charged with tampering with physical evidence for allegedly swapping jackets with a fleeing suspect. Another suspect, Kelvin Servita Arocha, who did not physically touch the officers, has been deemed an accessory to the assault for kicking a police radio.

The ongoing investigation into the Times Square attack has led the authorities to search for at least five additional suspects based on review of the body-camera footage. Bringing all the responsible individuals to justice is a high priority for the NYPD and the District Attorney's office.

As the case develops, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to assist law enforcement in their efforts to ensure public safety.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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