NEW YORK: A 15-year-old boy was arrested on Friday for allegedly shooting a Brazilian tourist in Times Square and firing at a police officer while trying to escape. The arrest came shortly after the police announced at a press conference that they were searching for the teenager, Jesus Alejandro Rivas Figueroa. The tourist, a 37-year-old woman, was struck in the leg but her injury was not life-threatening.
She has since been discharged from the hospital. The teenager, originally from Venezuela, had been staying at a migrant shelter in Manhattan since arriving in New York last fall. He was apprehended in Yonkers. Authorities suspect him of being involved in an armed robbery in the Bronx and another shooting in Times Square last month.
Figueroa, along with another 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, attempted to steal items from a JD Sports store when they were confronted by a female security guard. Figueroa then pulled out a large handgun and fired, hitting the tourist and fleeing the scene while firing at a police officer.
Despite the crowded area, the officer did not return fire. One of the two teenagers accompanying Figueroa was arrested at the scene, and the other was apprehended the following day. All three individuals attended the same school, and it is unclear whether they have legal representation.
Times Square, known for its bustling shopping and entertainment district, has recently witnessed a series of high-profile incidents. These include a brawl involving migrants and police officers, a controversial arrest made by a crime-fighting group, and an ongoing investigation by the police.
She has since been discharged from the hospital. The teenager, originally from Venezuela, had been staying at a migrant shelter in Manhattan since arriving in New York last fall. He was apprehended in Yonkers. Authorities suspect him of being involved in an armed robbery in the Bronx and another shooting in Times Square last month.
Figueroa, along with another 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, attempted to steal items from a JD Sports store when they were confronted by a female security guard. Figueroa then pulled out a large handgun and fired, hitting the tourist and fleeing the scene while firing at a police officer.
Despite the crowded area, the officer did not return fire. One of the two teenagers accompanying Figueroa was arrested at the scene, and the other was apprehended the following day. All three individuals attended the same school, and it is unclear whether they have legal representation.
Times Square, known for its bustling shopping and entertainment district, has recently witnessed a series of high-profile incidents. These include a brawl involving migrants and police officers, a controversial arrest made by a crime-fighting group, and an ongoing investigation by the police.