NYC Crime: Queens store owner shot multiple times during robbery

ASTORIA, Queens (WABC) — “Top in Town Wireless” in Astoria was a mess Friday night with phone cases strewn across the floor and shelves fallen over. There were also shell casings from the bullets that hit the owner.

The owner’s brother stood behind the police tape and wished this could have been an ordinary Friday evening.

“We were going to have dinner together, and I called him, ‘What time are you picking me up from home?’ and he said, ‘I just got shot, can you come over here?’ said Gurpreet Singh.

Gurpreet runs to the store, where he stares at the aftermath of his brother’s battle with two armed robbers. Police say they wanted his watch, but Kunwarjee Singh wouldn’t give up his Rolex without a fight.

“I’m pretty sure he’s a tough guy himself. He might have given them a fight because I know my brother; he doesn’t give up so easily to the robbers,” Gurpreet said.

The outcome is far from simple. Police say the robbers eventually stole the watch and shot the 40-year-old business owner Friday just before 7 p.m. His brother says he was shot three times in the abdomen and legs.

A few years ago, the cell phone store on Steinway Street was broken into, another business owner recalled.

“We were talking about how to secure our businesses and he had a very good lock – the gate was open – they came with an electric wire cutter – this was a serious production when they robbed him the last time,” said Michelangelo Pinto.

However, it has never been violent until now.

No one worries more than Gurpreet: it is impossible for him to feel safe.

“I’m just really confused by all of this. I have no words, but crime is on the rise. We close at 7:15 these days. We even lock our doors at every location because we don’t know what’s going to happen.” come at night,” says Gurpreet.

The two armed robbers are on the run and the victim had to undergo surgery to remove the bullets in his body. He is currently in hospital in stable condition.

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