NYC police officer exchanges gunfire with Times Square panhandler, fatally shooting man

NYC police officer kills Times Square panhandler

NEW YORK — Police pursuing a panhandler in Times Square shot and killed the man after he fired on them in an area busy with holiday shoppers and passersby.

New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne says the suspect was killed at midday Thursday just outside the Marriott Marquis hotel.

The hotel is located in the Broadway theater district and near the heart of Times Square. It is close to the Minskoff Theatre, home to the popular show “The Lion King.”

Dozens of police officers surrounded the popular hotel, taping off the valet parking area as tourists and holiday shoppers stopped to watch the commotion.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NEW YORK (AP) — Police pursuing a suspect in Times Square shot and killed the man after he fired on them in an area busy with holiday shoppers and passersby.

New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne says the suspect was killed at midday Thursday just outside the Marriott Marquis hotel.

The hotel is located in the Broadway theater district and near the heart of Times Square. It is close to the Minskoff Theatre, home to the popular show “The Lion King.”