by New York City, NY – Three masked suspects, one armed with a gun, terrorized two bodega employees during a late-night robbery in the Bronx this week, stealing more than $4,000 in cash along with valuable jewellery. The frightening incident, which unfolded just before closing time, was captured on surveillance video and has left workers shaken as police continue searching for the suspects.
The armed robbery took place inside El Sitio Deli Grocery in the Crotona Park East neighborhood, adding to growing concerns among small business owners about safety and repeat targeting.
Incident Overview
According to surveillance footage obtained by The New York Post, the masked trio entered the bodega around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday while employees were cleaning the store. One suspect immediately grabbed employee Jeffrey Brito behind the counter, while another pointed a firearm at him. A third suspect stood nearby acting as a lookout.
“He pointed the gun at me and told me give him all the money and don’t do anything,” Brito said, recalling that the suspects spoke in Spanish.
The encounter escalated quickly, leaving both workers fearing for their lives.
What Was Stolen
During the robbery, Brito said the suspects forcibly took personal valuables in addition to store cash.
- $400 taken from Brito’s pocket
- Gold chain and earring valued at approximately $1,400
- $3,700 in cash removed from the store register
In total, the suspects made off with more than $4,000, according to the victims.
Surveillance Video Shows Escalating Threat
Video footage shows the two unarmed suspects moving behind the counter, followed moments later by the gunman. Brito managed to retreat into a back area of the store, while owner Miguel Arias emerged with his hands raised as the suspects emptied the cash register.
“I thought they were going to kill us. I was afraid for my life,” Arias said.
“The one with the gun looked nervous, so I thought the gun was going to go off.”
The suspects were seen bagging the cash before fleeing the store on foot.
Victims Say Not Resisting Likely Saved Their Lives
Both employees said they made a conscious decision not to fight back, believing any resistance could have turned deadly.
“I think if we resisted they would have shot us,” Arias said.
The suspects fled the scene and had not been arrested as of Thursday, according to police.
Suspect Descriptions Released by NYPD
The NYPD has released descriptions of the three suspects in hopes of generating leads:
- Suspect 1: Black jacket, gray sweatshirt, black ski mask, black pants, black sneakers
- Suspect 2: Green jacket, gray sweatshirt, light-colored pants, black boots
- Suspect 3: Black jacket, black sweatshirt, black ski mask, black pants, black sneakers
Police are reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing the area for additional cameras.
Community Leaders Raise Alarm
The robbery has reignited concerns among bodega owners, who say they are frequent targets of violent crime.
“It’s only the first week,” said Francisco Marte, president of the Bodega Association.
“I hope the NYPD continues to work with our community to keep us safe, especially bodegas and small businesses because we are always the target.”
Advocates have long pushed for increased patrols, panic buttons, and security funding for neighborhood stores across New York City.
Public Safety and Crime Prevention Context
Late-night robberies remain a persistent threat for small businesses, particularly bodegas that stay open extended hours and handle large amounts of cash. Law enforcement officials advise store owners to minimize cash on hand, maintain clear visibility inside stores, and install multiple cameras and alarm systems.
Community cooperation also plays a key role. Authorities stress that tips from the public often provide critical breakthroughs in robbery cases.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information about the suspects or the robbery is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. All tips are confidential.
Conclusion
The violent robbery at El Sitio Deli Grocery underscores the dangers faced by bodega workers and small business owners, particularly during late-night hours. As police continue their search, community leaders are calling for renewed efforts to protect neighborhood stores from becoming repeated targets of armed crime.
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