A 15-year-old, Jesus Alejandro Rivas Figueroa, faces attempted murder charges after a shocking incident in Times Square where a tourist was shot and a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer was fired upon. This alarming event has reignited concerns over gun violence in one of the city’s most frequented areas.
Figueroa, charged as an adult, is accused of two counts of attempted murder among other charges, highlighting the severity of the situation. The arrest came after a tense manhunt, with U.S. Marshals apprehending Figueroa in Yonkers, emphasizing the swift action by law enforcement to bring the suspect into custody.
This is the individual who displayed a firearm and shot at security, striking an innocent bystander in New York Time’s Square, Feb. 8, 2024. While fleeing, he also fired at an NYPD Police Officer. There is a reward of up to $10,000. NY Police Department
The circumstances leading to the shooting began with a theft at JD Sports, where Figueroa and two other teenagers were implicated. The situation escalated rapidly when Figueroa allegedly discharged a firearm, unintentionally hitting a 38-year-old woman from Brazil. The NYPD detailed how the woman found refuge in a storage room before receiving medical attention, thankfully released from the hospital in stable condition.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban expressed relief that the incident did not result in more severe consequences, considering the crowded environment of Times Square. The officer targeted by Figueroa managed to avoid injury, a fortunate outcome given the potential risk to bystanders.
The response to this incident has been significant, with NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry underscoring the attack’s broader implications for public safety. Meanwhile, efforts to determine the involvement of the other teenagers continue, with one already in custody.
