In a shocking turn of events, a 15-year-old teenager has been taken into custody and charged as an adult following a shooting incident in Times Square, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD). The teen, identified as a migrant from Venezuela who entered the United States last September, now faces multiple charges including attempted murder and assault.

The incident occurred at a popular sneaker store, JD Sports, where the teen was approached by a security guard who asked to see a receipt for a jacket in his bag. However, the situation quickly escalated when the suspect reached into his coat for a gun and fired a shot, inadvertently hitting a 37-year-old woman from Brazil who was visiting New York.

After the shooting, a tense foot chase through Times Square ensued with the suspect allegedly firing twice at pursuing officers. Remarkably, the officers did not return fire due to the crowded streets, prioritizing the safety of pedestrians. "Our cops showed great restraint not to fire their weapon into crowded New Yorkers," stated NYPD's Chief of Patrol John Chell.

New York City detectives and US Marshals managed to apprehend the teen the following day in Yonkers, after tracing a possible family connection to the area. The arrest comes as a result of the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies determined to bring the perpetrator to justice.

NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban described the incident as "way beyond reckless" at a press conference, emphasizing the severity of the actions taken by the suspect. "If you think you can attack a member of this department, if you think you can threaten the lives of the very people who keep us safe, if you think you can put others at deadly risk and get away with it, then think again," Commissioner Caban sternly warned.

During the investigation, authorities discovered that the teen is also suspected of involvement in two other incidents in New York City last month. One of the incidents involved a gunpoint robbery in the Bronx, while the other involved firing a gun on 45th Street and Broadway.

The Manhattan Assistant District Attorney, Kathleen Coulson, requested that the teen be remanded in a bail application read during his arraignment. She cited the defendant's extreme flight risk and the seriousness of the charges he is facing, including the shooting of an innocent bystander and firing at a police officer.

The teenager, whose identity will remain undisclosed due to legal reasons, is expected to appear in court on February 13 to face the charges brought against him. CNN has reached out to the attorney listed for the teen for a comment, but no response has been received at this time.

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that can unfold in even the most crowded and bustling parts of the city. The NYPD continues to prioritize public safety and will use every available resource to ensure the swift pursuit and apprehension of those who endanger the lives of others.