Surveillance video, reward offered in arrest of alleged shoplifter wanted for stabbing bodega employee in Bronx

WESTCHESTER SQUARE, Bronx (WABC) — Police have released surveillance footage of the man wanted for allegedly stabbing a Bronx bodega employee on Sunday during a robbery.

It happened at the BP gas station at 91 Westchester Square at 1 a.m., police said.

Police said the suspect was trying to rob the bodega when the employee tried to stop him, the suspect attacked with a knife and stabbed the employee in the neck, arm and head.

Police said the suspect came out from behind the bulletproof glass and confronted the suspect without knowing the man was going to explode.

“The thief took out a knife and stabbed him several times,” said Fernando Mateo, from UBA.

The 25-year-old male victim was taken to NYC Health and Hospital/Jacobi and is in stable condition, police said.

The victim is recovering at home, but is still in serious condition.

The victim who spoke to Eyewitness News said the attacker stabbed him repeatedly and it felt like “he wanted to kill me.”

Some items, police said, had a combined value of less than $50.

Police said the suspect removed several hats and gloves from the scene and fled on foot.

The BP gas station store is not a typical bodega, but United Bodegas of Ameria supported it.

United Bodegas of America is offering a $2,000 reward leading to an arrest and conviction in the stabbing.

The UBA says the incident occurred just 10 days after a 29-year-old woman was fatally stabbed in a Bronx bodega on October 3.

“These senseless acts of violence have shaken the community, and UBA is asking for urgent support from elected officials and community leaders to prevent further tragedies. UBA continues to advocate for the creation of Porto Seguro Stores, ensuring that bodegas across the city are equipped with safety measures to protect workers and customers,” said a statement from UBA.

In addition to the tips that led to the arrest, United Bodegas of America is also asking the state to help pay for more bodega panic buttons, like the ones 50 stores received in a pilot program in June.

“The violence that occurred in our bodegas is heartbreaking. We mourn the loss of Ms. Guyton, and now another innocent person is fighting for her life. “, stated Radahmes Rodriguez, president of UBA.

The victim said he’s not sure if a panic button would have helped, but he thinks it’s a good idea and hopes the cameras that captured the footage will help get the dangerous man off the streets.

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