News/Commentary

Manhunt underway after teen shoplifter opens fire in Times Square, shoots tourist

February 9, 2024 | | Print Article

The NYPD is searching for a young suspected shoplifter who allegedly shot a tourist in Times Square and fired at responding police.

According to NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell, at roughly 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, a female security guard at JD Sports on West 42nd Street and Broadway confronted a group of three suspected shoplifters and removed from them the merchandise they had allegedly lifted.

One of the three would-be thieves, a Hispanic male between the ages of 15 and 20 years on suspicion and dressed all in white, fired at the guard, missed, and struck the tourist in the leg. She was transferred to a local hospital.

The shooter and his 15-year-old Hispanic accomplice, dressed in a blue jacket, took off running towards 47th Avenue, Chell said. Two responding officers caught up with another suspect and later released him without charge.

One officer gave chase to the suspected shooter, who ducked between two buildings and opened fire on the pursuing officer.

“Our officer draws his weapon, but he cannot fire, too many people around,” Chell explained. “As the male in the white goes further into the cut, under his armpit he fires another shot at our officer. Again, our officer does not return fire.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The shooter ran to the subway station at 46th Street and Sixth Avenue and was caught on the tracks by video surveillance, according to police. He returns from the subway and disappears.

On X, the NYPD provided a photo of the suspect and announced that there is “a reward of up to $10,000” for information leading to his capture.

“Any info, DM or call @NYPDTips at 1-800-577-TIPS,” the department urged X users. “All calls are confidential.”

“We need the public’s help to identify and locate this individual before he hurts anyone else,” Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated on X. “He already shot an innocent person and tried to murder a NYC Police Officer.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Meanwhile, newly released bodycam footage shows the moments leading up to last month’s Times Square attack on two NYPD officers by a group of illegal migrants.

“Police initially demanded the group disperse on the night of Jan. 27 before one uniformed officer suddenly grabbed migrant Yohenry Brito as he pushed a baby stroller carrying his belongings, the footage shows,” according to the New York Post. “At one point in the audio, Brito can be heard referring to the officers in Spanish ‘They look like Ugly Betty.'”

(Video: YouTube)

ADVERTISEMENT

After the officer Brito is detained against a wall by the officer, the group does an about-face and demands to know what Brito has done.

Brito can be seen struggling with the officer, and the mob moves in, kicking the officers and attempting to free Brito.

The videos were released by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office.

As BizPac Review has reported, the progressive DA was widely criticized for his decision to release four of the suspects without bail. It is believed they may have fled the state for California.

ADVERTISEMENT

On Thursday, prosecutors announced seven indictments in the controversial case.

“Four suspects who were arrested last week have been indicted with second-degree assault and other charges,” The Post reports. “Another suspect was indicted with tampering with physical evidence while charges against two others remain sealed.

“Four individuals who were seen on the footage kicking the officer remain on the lam.”

Melissa Fine
Latest posts by Melissa Fine (see all)

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.

Latest Articles