Series of break-ins at NYC bodega: 2 suspects sought for brutal assault and robbery at store in Morris Park, Bronx

MORRIS PARK, Bronx (WABC) – Police are searching for two suspects who stole $1,500 in cash during a brutal attack and robbery at a Bronx bodega that was caught on surveillance camera video.

The two robbers, their faces covered with medical masks, got out of a silver sedan, stormed into the deli and hit an employee in the head with a gun before he could even think about cooperating.

“When he hit him with the gun, he thought they shot him,” the store owner said.

The worker, in his twenties, was not shot but narrowly missed the shot when a robber stood on the counter and threatened the three workers with a gun while the other robber stole the cash.

While the robbers were fleeing, the owner of the Gourmet Deli on Morris Park Avenue, who had left minutes earlier, received a call about the incident and called the police, who then searched the area.

“I’m going out with two police officers and looking around. We can’t find the guys. They’re gone,” said the owner.

According to police, the burglars have been on the move for the past two weeks since Sunday, July 7, robbing three delis and bodegas in the Bronx and two in Queens.

In each case, they show the same weapon and get away with money.

Tuesday’s robbery appears to be the only one in which an employee was physically attacked. The store owner, who preferred not to show his face, says the violent attack was unnecessary and could have been fatal. The employee would likely have cooperated.

“Now a guy is in the hospital for three days. For what? For no reason,” said the owner.

The owner told Eyewitness News that this was the first time something like this had happened in his store and that there had never been even a fight before.

He wants the suspects caught before another small business is hit, saying their behavior made it seem like they thought they would get away with it.

“They think right now that they can do whatever they want. Nobody can control them,” the owner said.

———-

* More Bronx news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news

* Follow us on Youtube

Send a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or story idea we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. When attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.