Cops are searching for the vigilante gunman who allegedly fired off shots while trying to stop a vagrant from robbing a woman at the Times Square subway station.
The would-be mugger, identified as Matthew Roesch, 49, was charged with attempted robbery for trying to “forcibly” snatch the 40-year-old victim’s belongings at the 49th Street N, R and W station around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, police said.
The unidentified bystander stepped in — and allegedly opened fire toward the homeless man, according to cops.
No one was struck.
The NYPD on Wednesday released surveillance images showing the suspected gunman passing through a turnstile at the station while carrying a khaki backpack and a reusable bright green B&H Photo Video tote bag.
He was last seen wearing a light green T-shirt, black shorts, white socks and black shoes with white sole.
Cops described him as being between 35 and 45 years old, with a light complexion, standing around 5-foot-9 and weighing about 230 pounds.
Roesch – whose address is listed as a men’s shelter in Kips Bay – was awaiting arraignment Wednesday.
Train service on the N, R and W lines was temporarily snarled as the NYPD investigated in the aftermath of the shooting.