Deli Worker Charged After Incident with Intruder

A deli worker in Gramercy has been charged with a felony for allegedly throwing a knife at an intruder who was acting aggressively inside the store. The shop’s owner, however, defended the employee, stating that he was simply trying to defend the establishment.

Mahmoud Bourada, aged 34, is accused of throwing a knife at another man of the same age at Heavenly Market, located on Third Avenue near East 23rd Street, on Tuesday night around 11 p.m. According to police reports, the knife caused a cut on the intruder’s left hand, but he did not cooperate with law enforcement and declined medical assistance.

Bourada was handcuffed and charged with attempted first-degree assault and second-degree assault, as outlined in a criminal complaint.

Ahmed Saleh, 24, who operates the deli alongside his father and brother, both of whom emigrated from Yemen two decades ago, expressed his belief that Bourada was only trying to do the right thing. “We work really hard in our family-owned business and have to safeguard it at all costs,” Saleh emphasized. “That’s what my employee was doing—he’s a good guy and just wanted to protect the business.”

Saleh reported that Bourada had called him in a panic moments before the confrontation escalated. “He told me the man was being very threatening,” Saleh recalled. “I advised him to stay strong and promised to call the police. Shortly after, he informed me that the intruder had left.” When Saleh arrived, he found Bourada already detained, and was surprised to see his cell phone still on the floor of the shop.

“I tried to return his phone to the police, but they wouldn’t let me. I asked if he could go home because, you know, he has kids, and it just didn’t seem right,” Saleh added.

Describing Bourada as a friend and a dedicated father, Saleh pointed out that he had been supportive of his family and worked hard to cover their expenses. “I’ve known him for a short while, and he really needed this job to provide for his children and medical bills,” he shared.

Bourada, who resides in Brooklyn, was eventually released just in time for the holidays. A judge allowed him to go home on his own recognizance after the prosecution requested bail options of $5,000 cash or $15,000 bond.

Earlier that day, a cook working with Bourada called Saleh to resign, citing the escalating troubles in the area. Saleh noted that conditions have deteriorated since a shelter opened nearby about a year and a half ago.

“I’m under a lot of stress right now because theft happens daily, and it’s affecting us,” Saleh commented. “It won’t be long before my employees start losing their jobs since we’re continuously losing money; it’s hard for them to support their families.”

Reflecting on the community’s change, he lamented, “This area used to be nice. Now, there’s constant shouting and demands for free things. It feels like we’re working for them. That’s the reality the city has created for us.”