In an unexpected turn of events, a teenager has been apprehended in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 39-year-old man just a stone’s throw away from Times Square. The 17-year-old suspect was captured by alert officers after they noticed him illegally jumping a subway turnstile in Brooklyn while carrying a scalpel, according to authorities and sources on Thursday.
Due to his age, the identity of the teenager remains undisclosed. He was detained around 8 p.m. on Wednesday and now faces charges, including weapon possession, related to the stabbing of Leonides Baez on Monday night, as confirmed by police reports.
The arrest unfolded when officers conducting a routine inspection at a subway station observed the teenager evading the fare. Upon stopping him, they soon discovered he was a suspect in the deadly incident that had occurred in Midtown just two days earlier, sources revealed. A search of the suspect led to the discovery of a scalpel in his possession, further implicating him in the crime.
Leonides Baez, who was last known to reside in Worcester, Massachusetts, suffered severe injuries after being stabbed in the torso and back and slashed across the face. The attack occurred around 11:30 p.m. in front of Burger & Lobster near Bryant Park on West 43rd Street, close to Seventh Avenue, officials reported.
The tragic incident happened mere steps away from the bustling Stephen Sondheim Theatre, which is currently hosting performances of Broadway’s “& Juliet,” adding an unsettling backdrop to the vibrant cultural scene in the area.
The fatal attack also took place steps from the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, now showing Broadwayâs â& Juliet,â authorities said.
Police previously said they were looking for a total of three suspects in connection to the murder but the teen in custody is believed to be the person who stabbed Baez.
The violent outburst appeared to stem from a chance encounter between the violent trio and Baez, the sources said.
No other arrests have been made.
