Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, a 19-year-old migrant previously implicated in a violent confrontation with police officers in Times Square, has been apprehended once more. This latest arrest is connected to his alleged involvement in a theft at a Macy’s store located in the Queens Center Mall. Gomez-Izquiel, alongside three other individuals, is accused of stealing clothing items, concealing them in bags during the incident that occurred around 5:33 p.m. on a Tuesday.
The apprehension followed a physical altercation with a 27-year-old security guard who attempted to stop them, resulting in the guard receiving minor injuries. Despite this, the guard declined medical treatment at the scene. Following his arrest, Gomez-Izquiel was transported from the 110th Precinct station to Queens Criminal Court, facing charges of robbery and petit larceny.
Previously, Gomez-Izquiel faced legal trouble for his part in a January incident involving an assault on two police officers in Times Square, which was captured on video. The incident drew significant attention due to the aggressive nature of the attack against law enforcement by a group of asylum seekers, including Gomez-Izquiel.
The other suspects involved in the Macy’s robbery managed to escape with merchandise valued at approximately $608 and were last seen heading west on Queens Boulevard. Descriptions of these individuals have been released by the authorities in an effort to apprehend them.
In a related development, another individual, Ulises Bohorquez, 21, also a migrant residing at a city shelter, was detained for his role in the Macy’s incident, specifically accused of assaulting the security guard during the robbery.
The case further complicates the situation for migrants involved in criminal activities, as it follows closely on the heels of a group assault on police officers. Yarwuin Madris, an 18-year-old also charged in the Times Square assault, faced arraignment on assault charges, highlighting the ongoing legal consequences for those involved in such incidents.
The events underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing crime involving recent arrivals to the city, as well as the broader implications for community safety and the judicial process in dealing with such cases.