12-year-old migrant linked to Tren de Aragua arrested after attacking NYPD officers in Times Square.
A 12-year-old migrant boy with connections to the Tren de Aragua gang was arrested following a violent incident in Times Square involving two New York Police Department (NYPD) officers. The incident occurred on Friday evening when the officers intervened to protect two younger children from being robbed near the intersection of West 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue at approximately 7:35 p.m. During the altercation, the group turned their aggression toward the officers, resulting in minor injuries for the police personnel involved.
Video footage shared on social media captured members of the crowd throwing various items, including a large rubber ball, at the officers. This chaos erupted after an open-air boxing match had concluded in the area, drawing many spectators. The arrests followed a swift response from law enforcement, who apprehended four suspects, including the 12-year-old linked to a local offshoot of Tren de Aragua, known as Diablos de la 42.
This youth, who gained notoriety when he was arrested last year for a series of robberies in Central Park, underscores a troubling trend of juvenile delinquency associated with organized crime in the city. At just 11 years old, he was involved in incidents where victims had their cell phones stolen. The safety and rehabilitation of such minors, especially those tied to gangs, pose significant challenges for local authorities.
The suspects, all boys, face various charges in connection with the Times Square incident. Among them, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old were charged with obstructing governmental administration, rioting, and menacing. Additionally, the 17-year-old faces further charges for attempted assault against a police officer and reckless endangerment. The charges for the 12-year-old and a 14-year-old have not been disclosed yet, and at least two other individuals involved in the fracas remain at large.
Further complicating matters is the ongoing investigation tying several individuals from the group to previous robberies in Central Park, suggesting a persistent pattern of crime among these youths. The NYPD reiterated its commitment to tackling violence against its officers, emphasizing that such assaults will be met with stern repercussions.
The rise of Tren de Aragua, particularly its expansion into New York City, has drawn increased attention from law enforcement. Just weeks prior, federal authorities announced the arrest of over two dozen Tren de Aragua members on a range of serious charges, including murder, racketeering, and trafficking offenses. These developments highlight broader concerns related to organized crime and juvenile delinquency in urban environments, making it imperative for policymakers and community leaders to address the underlying issues and prevent future incidents.
