New York City police are on the hunt for an armed shoplifter who reportedly opened fire inside a store in Times Square, injuring a customer. The incident escalated when the shoplifting suspects fled the scene and later fired at officers during a police chase through Manhattan.
The chaos unfolded at JD Sports on 42nd Street and Broadway just after 7 p.m. on Thursday when three individuals allegedly shoplifted from the store. According to the New York Police Department, a security guard confronted the suspects at the front door, leading to a scuffle that culminated in the suspects fleeing the scene.
During the altercation, one of the suspects brandished a firearm and fired at the security guard, missing their target and instead hitting a 38-year-old female customer in the leg. The suspects then fled, prompting a response from law enforcement.
Despite the suspects’ attempts to evade capture, officers quickly apprehended one of the individuals. However, the armed suspect managed to escape, firing shots at pursuing officers. Fortunately, no civilians were injured during the gunfire exchange.
The armed suspect, described as a Hispanic male between 15 and 20 years old, is still at large. Meanwhile, the third shoplifting suspect remains unaccounted for. The injured customer, a tourist, was transported to a hospital in stable condition and is expected to recover.
As of now, no arrests have been made in the case, and it remains under active investigation by the police. The authorities are urging anyone with information on the armed suspect’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in the ongoing search.
The NYPD is committed to bringing the armed shoplifter to justice and ensuring the safety of New York City residents and visitors.