August 19, 2025 TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan – For a fleeting and terrifying moment on Monday, the heart of New York City held its breath. A seemingly innocuous, abandoned package left outside an NYPD substation triggered a full-scale bomb scare, shutting down a major artery of Manhattan and sending a ripple of fear through the world's busiest intersection. The incident, now resolved, offers a chilling reminder of the city's constant state of vigilance.
Police were alerted to a suspicious object left unattended near the NYPD's Times Square substation, prompting a swift and decisive response. Seventh Avenue was immediately closed to traffic between 42nd and 44th Streets, turning one of the city's most iconic thoroughfares into an eerie no-man's land. Commuters, tourists, and workers were held at a standstill as the NYPD's elite bomb squad raced to the scene.
After a tense investigation, the bomb squad ultimately determined the object was not a threat. Streets were quickly reopened, and life in Times Square returned to its frenetic pace. Detectives reported no obvious message or threat associated with the package, adding an air of mystery to the already perplexing situation.
The man allegedly responsible for leaving the package, Desean Maryat, 26, of the Bronx, was apprehended by detectives shortly after the incident. Before being charged, he was transported to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. He now faces serious charges, including reckless endangerment and making terroristic threats.
