Food Vendor Shot After Times Square Confrontation With Teens, NYPD Investigating

New York City police are investigating an early morning shooting in Times Square that left a food cart vendor injured following a tense altercation with a group of teenagers.

The incident unfolded around 4:49 a.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of 47th Street and 7th Avenue, a designated gun-free zone. Officers responded to 911 calls reporting gunshots, and upon arrival, found a 29-year-old man shot in the arm.

He was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where police say he was conscious and alert. The investigation into the motive is still ongoing.

Argument With Teens Turns Violent

According to witnesses, the food vendor was setting up his cart when he got into a heated argument with a group of young people. The confrontation quickly escalated when the teens allegedly tried to steal his backpack and began chasing him down the street.

One of the teens reportedly pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the vendor. As the victim tried to disarm the suspect, he was shot in the hand.

NYPD: Quick Response Led to Multiple Detentions

Three suspects were taken into custody shortly after the shooting inside a nearby subway station. While the individuals are being questioned, police have not yet recovered the firearm or identified the actual shooter.

“It looks like this group crossed 47th Street, and one of them stepped into the middle of the street and fired toward the vendors,” said NYPD Chief of Department John Chell in an interview on Good Day New York. “Thanks to a fast response, we believe we’ve gotten at least some of the group off the street.”

Suspects Still Not Publicly Identified

Witnesses said they saw nearly a dozen officers chase three young men into the subway following the shooting. None of the suspects have been officially identified, and police are still working to locate the gunman.

This case is still developing, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.