According to police reports, a suspected shoplifter fired shots inside a Times Square sporting goods store Thursday evening when confronted by a security guard, injuring a tourist in the leg before escaping into the streets.
New York Police Department officials stated that as officers pursued the shooter through Midtown Manhattan, he fired at an officer twice before fleeing into a subway station.
The wounded tourist, identified as a 37-year-old woman, was expected to recover from her injuries. The shooter, described as a male between 15 and 20 years old wearing all white clothing, remained at large as of Friday.
Chief of Patrol John Chell addressed the incident during a news conference at the scene, emphasizing that they were actively seeking the suspect responsible for firing at officers and injuring the innocent bystander.
The altercation began around 7 p.m. Thursday when the shooter and accomplices were seen inside the store on West 42nd Street and Broadway, placing items of clothing into a bag. When confronted by the security guard in the lobby, a verbal exchange ensued, leading to the shooter brandishing a firearm and firing, unintentionally hitting the tourist. The shooter and an associate fled the scene, with one individual subsequently apprehended by officers.
The armed suspect evaded capture, fleeing towards 6th Avenue and firing at pursuing officers before escaping into a nearby subway station. Despite a significant police response and search efforts, the shooter remained at large, prompting authorities to offer a reward of up to $10,000 for any information leading to his arrest.