Fare Jumper with Scalpel Charged in Times Square Stabbing
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The NYPD says it made an arrest in the brutal stabbing in the alleyway near the Burger & Lobster restaurant by Bryant Park. -Social Media Photo
By Staff Reporter
Manhattan Voice
May 7, 2026
NEW YORK, NY - Score 1 for the Broken Windows theory. Cops nabbing a fare jumper in Brooklyn say they caught a suspect in the Times Square slaying that has gripped the city.
A 17-year-old male has been arrested and charged in connection with a deadly stabbing near Times Square that left a Massachusetts man dead earlier this week, according to the NYPD.
Police said the teenager was taken into custody early Thursday morning following an ongoing investigation into the violent attack that unfolded late Monday night in Midtown Manhattan.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released because he is a minor, is facing charges of murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Authorities identified the victim as Leonides Baez, 39, of Worcester, Massachusetts who was stabbed to death on Monday night.
According to investigators, officers responded to a 911 call reporting an assault at approximately 11:32 p.m. on May 4 outside 132 West 43rd Street, near Seventh Avenue and just steps from Times Square.
When officers arrived, they discovered Baez suffering from multiple stab wounds to the torso and back, along with a slash wound to the face. EMS rushed him to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, where he was later pronounced dead.
The deadly attack happened near the popular Burger & Lobster restaurant by Bryant Park and close to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, where the Broadway musical “& Juliet” is currently showing.
Police sources said the teen suspect was arrested Wednesday evening in Brooklyn after officers on patrol at the station allegedly spotted him jumping a turnstile.
During the stop, officers reportedly discovered the teenager carrying a scalpel. Cops soon learned that the suspect was wanted in connection with the Time Square stabbing.
The suspect was officially arrested around 2:30 a.m. Thursday within the confines of the Midtown South Precinct.
Investigators believe the teen was the individual responsible for stabbing Baez during the confrontation Monday night.
Law enforcement sources told reporters the fatal violence may have stemmed from a chance encounter and argument involving Baez and multiple individuals before the stabbing occurred.
Earlier in the investigation, police said they were searching for three possible suspects connected to the homicide. So far, no additional arrests have been announced.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The incident has renewed concerns about late-night violence in one of New York City’s busiest tourist districts.
The stabbing occurred in a heavily traveled section of Midtown near theaters, restaurants, hotels, and major subway lines frequently packed with tourists and commuters.
Authorities have not said whether additional suspects could still face charges.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips.
All calls are confidential.
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