New York City – The NYPD is seeking 18 individuals connected to two separate incidents that occurred in Times Square on Thursday night. One of the incidents involved a stabbing that left a 17-year-old hospitalized. The police believe that these incidents are unrelated, despite an argument preceding both events.
The teenage victim was stabbed in the back near W. 42nd St. at around 5:30 p.m. and some of the suspects, along with the victim, are believed to be migrants. The New York Post reported that the NYPD took seven individuals into custody and is seeking 16 others in connection to the stabbing. The victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.
In a second attack that occurred almost two hours later, a 28-year-old man was assaulted by a group of men who repeatedly kicked him in the head and face. Police arrested three people in connection to this incident and are searching for two more individuals.
Those in custody are currently being questioned by the police, and charges are expected to be filed on Friday. The stabbing incident took place near where two NYPD officers were previously attacked last month near a migrant shelter.
The officers were attacked by up to 14 people on January 27 while attempting to disperse a group of disorderly men near Times Square. Initially, four individuals were arrested, with a fifth person apprehended a few days later. However, all suspects were released without bail, sparking outrage.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg faced severe criticism for releasing several suspects on bail and for the delay in obtaining indictments against them. Bragg expressed confidence that law enforcement has identified the roles of all involved in the attack.
Overall, the incidents in Times Square have raised concerns about public safety and law enforcement in the area, prompting a closer examination of security measures and response protocols. The NYPD continues its investigation into the events that unfolded on Thursday night.