Migrant, 15, accused of Times Square shooting charged with attempted murder as adult

A 15-year-old migrant accused of opening fire in Times Square was arrested and charged as an adult with attempted murder, according to court records. 

Jesus Alejandro Rivas-Figueroa, a 15-year-old from Venezuela whose immigration status is unclear, was shoplifting in Times Square Thursday evening when he opened fire on a security guard who tried to stop him, New York Police Department officials said Friday.

That bullet missed the security guard and struck a Brazilian female tourist in the leg, police said. She was subsequently treated at a local hospital and later released.

Officers chased the suspect, who then opened fire again, but this time without striking anyone, officials said. 

Rivas-Figueroa managed to flee via the subway system, but he was arrested the following day, per law enforcement. 

He pleaded not guilty Saturday to two counts of attempted murder, three counts of assault causing serious injury and two firearms-related charges, court records show. Rivas-Figueroa was ordered to remain behind bars without bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday. 

Prosecutors had requested Rivas-Figueroa to remain in jail without bail due to his "significant ties out of the United States" and the fact he had only been in the country "for a short time," per the New York Post. He had been staying at a temporary shelter in the Upper West Side after arriving in September. 

Although Rivas-Figueroa is being charged as an adult, he will remain in a juvenile facility due to his age, according to officials. 

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