A 19-year-old suspect, previously linked to the assault on NYPD officers in Times Square, returned to court facing fresh accusations of shoplifting in Queens. Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, allegedly involved in a Macy’s theft alongside others, stood before a judge in Criminal Court. “The law needs to change.

Teen suspected in attack on 2 NYPD officers in Times Square arrested for shoplifting https://t.co/GbWER00c8a pic.twitter.com/hIMyh9QNUk

— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) February 14, 2024

Those who assault New York City police officers need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” emphasized PBA President Patrick Hendry, echoing concerns over lenient legal measures.

Despite facing petty larceny charges, Gomez-Izquiel’s bail was set at a mere $1. However, his involvement in the Times Square assault case led to his remand.

Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the handling of his initial arrest, pointing out missed opportunities for detention on Rikers Island. “I said all along that bail should have been requested, given the severity of what they did,” Hochul remarked.

Among Gomez-Izquiel’s co-defendants, Kelvin Servita Arocha and Wilson Juarez were taken into ICE custody post-release. Meanwhile, Yohenry Brito, accused of instigating the altercation, secured release on $15,000 bail after a stint on Rikers Island.

Mayor Eric Adams stressed the importance of addressing repeat offenders, noting that five suspects from the Times Square incident are currently detained. Most of the accused are slated to appear in court on Friday.