The sound of gunshots rang out near the intersection of 44th Street and Broadway at around 3:40 p.m. local time. Witnesses reported seeing a young man or teenager allegedly draw and fire a gun during the altercation, ABC7NY reported.

While no one was struck by the gunfire, the incident sent crowds scrambling for safety in one of the city's busiest tourist destinations.

The shooting scare came shortly after celebrations for the NBA champion New York Knicks drew large crowds to the streets of Manhattan. The incident also occurred as the United States hosts FIFA World Cup matches, with numerous football fans and international visitors present in Times Square.

"I didn't see much, but I was down there right around the corner. I heard 'pow-pow-pow.' I checked my phone and saw reports of shots fired near Times Square," witness Jose Rios told ABC7NY.

Another witness, Abdul, who works in the area, expressed shock over the incident.

"Insane. I don't really expect this to happen in this area, especially with so many tourists around," he told the news channel.

Authorities confirmed that one person has been taken into custody in connection with the incident. However, no further details about the suspect or possible charges have been released.

The investigation is ongoing.