On the evening of May 2, 2025, two NYPD officers were attacked by a group of teenagers in Times Square while responding to a robbery. The incident occurred near West 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue, not far from a major boxing event. The officers were surrounded and assaulted by the group using makeshift weapons such as scooters and basketballs.
The suspects are believed to be members of a youth gang called “Los Diablos de la 42,” which is reportedly linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. In connection with the attack, five individuals, aged between 12 and 19, have been arrested. One of the arrested suspects, a 12-year-old, is suspected of being the ringleader. However, all suspects have been released without bail, sparking public concern and debate about juvenile justice policies.
The NYPD has released surveillance images of additional suspects and is asking the public for help in identifying and locating them. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
The attack has reignited discussions about the NYPD’s gang database, which was instrumental in identifying the suspects. While some city officials advocate for the elimination of this database, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Mayor Eric Adams stress its importance in combating organized crime and ensuring public safety.
For more details on the investigation, watch this video:
