New York City, NY – The NYPD has identified the perpetrator responsible for shooting a Brazilian tourist and an NYPD officer in Times Square on Thursday night.
The gunman, identified as 15-year-old Jesus Alejandro Rivas Figueroa, entered the country as a migrant from Venezuela in September.
With an ongoing investigation, Rivas Figueroa is now wanted for three crimes, including an armed robbery in the Bronx on January 27 and another shooting incident in Midtown.
Police Hunt and Reward:
The NYPD has initiated a manhunt for Rivas Figueroa, offering a substantial $13,500 reward for information leading to his capture.
Authorities have determined that he resides at the Stratford Hotel in Manhattan. This 15-year-old is considered a person of interest in the Times Square shooting, with the police actively working to establish the extent of his involvement.
Times Square Shooting Incident:
The chaos unfolded when three teenagers, including Rivas Figueroa, were apprehended by a security guard upon leaving the JD Sports Store.
As the guard intervened and seized a bag containing a stolen coat, the young gunman fired at her, inadvertently hitting a 37-year-old Brazilian tourist in the leg. The tourist sought refuge in a storage room as the security guard rushed to her aid.
Escape and Ongoing Threat:
Rivas Figueroa managed to flee the scene, leaving a trail of discarded clothes at West 48th Street and Sixth Avenue. Described as a Hispanic male, he evaded capture by escaping into the 49th Street subway station, firing shots at pursuing officers.
The NYPD, alarmed by the danger posed by the armed suspect, is intensifying efforts to locate and apprehend him immediately.
Police Response and Public Appeal:
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell expressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for public cooperation in identifying and locating Rivas Figueroa.
The assailant’s reckless actions, including the attempt to murder an NYPD officer, have escalated concerns about safety in the Times Square area.
Victim’s Condition and Law Enforcement Measures:
The injured Brazilian tourist, shot just above the knee, received immediate medical attention and was transported to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.
A police officer, who ran out of breath while pursuing the suspects, was also attended to at New York-Presbyterian.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry underscored the severity of the incident, emphasizing the collective responsibility to bring the assailant to justice.
Escalating Crime in Times Square:
This incident adds to a series of escalating crimes in the iconic tourist hotspot, with a recent attack on NYPD officers by a gang of seven migrants on January 27.
Authorities are actively addressing the rise in criminal activities to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the area.
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