In a recent incident of gun violence, a 15-year-old migrant is suspected of being involved in a shooting in Times Square, where a tourist was injured, and shots were fired at a police officer during a robbery attempt. The arrest of the Venezuelan teen, Jesus Alejandro Rivas-Figueroa, occurred less than 24 hours after the chaos unfolded at the popular tourist destination.
Photos obtained by The Post depict the young suspect, dressed in casual attire, being taken into custody by authorities in Yonkers. NYPD spokesman Carlos Nieves described the emotional scene, noting Rivas-Figueroa's tearful demeanor upon apprehension, highlighting the stark contrast between his actions and his age.
It is anticipated that Rivas-Figueroa will face charges as a juvenile, primarily for the attempted murder of a police officer. The case will be handled either in criminal court or family court, according to Nieves.
This arrest swiftly followed the identification of Rivas-Figueroa as the primary suspect during a press conference by NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell.
The teenager had arrived in September and was residing at a temporary shelter in Manhattan. He is also implicated in other criminal activities, including a gunpoint robbery in the Bronx and an incident involving gunfire in Midtown, both in January.
However, it remains uncertain whether he will face charges related to these incidents.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban commended the rapid response of law enforcement in apprehending Rivas-Figueroa, emphasizing the department's commitment to holding perpetrators of violence accountable. The involvement of Rivas-Figueroa and two other teens, all migrant students, in a shoplifting attempt that escalated into violence underscores the need for community vigilance.
Video footage captured the chaotic scene, with Rivas-Figueroa and another teen fleeing from the store after the shooting. Despite the dangerous situation, NYPD officers demonstrated restraint in their pursuit, avoiding the use of lethal force amidst the crowded streets of New York City.
The injured tourist, Tatiele Riberio, received medical treatment for her leg injury and is expected to return to Brazil following her recovery. Investigations into the incident involve extensive interviews with witnesses, collection of evidence, and the apprehension of other individuals believed to be involved.
Community reactions to the allegations against Rivas-Figueroa varied, with some expressing shock at his involvement in the violence, while others recalled past encounters that hinted at his aggressive tendencies. Authorities emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the safety of the community and bring perpetrators of violence to justice.
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