In a shocking turn of events, a 15-year-old boy has been apprehended for allegedly shooting a Brazilian tourist in New York City's iconic Times Square. The incident occurred during an attempted shoplifting incident at a store in Times Square, where the teenager, identified as Jesus Alejandro Rivas Figueroa, reportedly fired a gun at a security guard who confronted him and another individual at the door. Unfortunately, his aim was off, and he ended up striking a bystander in the leg.

According to court documents, Figueroa then fled the scene, but not before firing two more rounds at a New York City police officer on 47th Street in midtown Manhattan. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but it is believed to be connected to the shoplifting attempt. Authorities have charged Figueroa with two counts of attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.

Following the incident, Figueroa and his mother swiftly packed their belongings and fled the city. However, their escape was short-lived, as the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended the teenager in Yonkers just 24 hours later. The swift action by law enforcement ensured that Figueroa did not evade justice for long.

This is not the first time Figueroa has found himself on the wrong side of the law. The New York Police Department revealed that he is also wanted for an armed robbery that took place in the Bronx on January 27th, as well as for a separate shots-fired incident in midtown Manhattan. In the latter case, police recovered a shell casing, further linking Figueroa to the crime.

Further details about the teenager have emerged, shedding light on his background. Figueroa hails from Venezuela and had been residing in a migrant shelter in New York City's Upper West Side since his arrival in the United States last fall. His presence in the city is part of a larger trend, with tens of thousands of individuals making their way to New York after crossing the southern border into the United States.

The victim, a 37-year-old Brazilian tourist, was struck once in the leg during the shooting but fortunately sustained non-life-threatening injuries. She has since been discharged from the hospital, marking a small silver lining in an otherwise terrifying ordeal.

During a press conference, the police department's chief of patrol, John Chell, revealed that Figueroa was not acting alone during the shoplifting incident. Accompanying him were a second 15-year-old and a 16-year-old. Chief Chell also mentioned that Figueroa brandished a "very large handgun" during the confrontation with the security guard, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

The swift arrest of Figueroa brings a sense of relief to both residents and visitors of New York City, who can now rest a little easier knowing that a dangerous individual is off the streets. As the investigation continues, authorities will undoubtedly work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served, and that the victims receive the support they need during this difficult time.