There are almost always large crowds on Times Square. It’s one of New York City’s most desired destinations.
But late Thursday morning (12/10), gunfire shattered the holiday mood, sending terrified people ducking for cover.
A 25-year-old panhandler, also wanted in the Bronx for assault, is dead and NYPD is breathing a sigh of relief that the gunman didn’t harm anyone else.
It happened outside the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Witnesses described an unbelievable scene.
The gunfire began as an undercover police sergeant confronted the suspect. Investigators said he suddenly turned and pulled a Mac 10 semi-automatic weapon and began firing it at the officer.
The gunman is identified as 25-year-old Raymond Martinez. He is seen in cell phone video on the pavement of the Marriott Marquis Hotel driveway. He was rushed by other police officers who wrestled to get the weapon away from him. The gun had suddenly jammed.
As others crouched out of fear, British tourist John Gricewood said he was frozen where he stood.
Police said two shots fired by the suspect shattered windows in nearby shops.
A second man was arrested. He had been seen earlier on Times Square with Martinez, and police believe he and Martinez were selling illegal DVDs. Police also revealed that the Mac 10 was reported stolen in Richmond, Virginia back in October.
Martinez later died from his wounds, and NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said police found an ominous note on the back of a Virginia business card in his pocket.
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