This week, a shocking robbery was captured on video, where three masked individuals, one armed, targeted two employees at a Bronx bodega, stealing over $4,000 in cash and expensive jewelry.
The footage reveals the trio entering El Sitio Deli Grocery in Crotona Park East around 11:30 p.m. while the employees were tidying up for closing time.
One robber grabbed the wrist of Jeffrey Brito, a counter employee, while another threatened him with a gun, leaving a third robber standing close by.
Brito described the terrifying encounter, saying, “He pointed the gun at me and told me to just give him all my money.” He recalled the robbers communicating in Spanish. He lost a chain and earrings, alongside $400 in cash, estimating his jewelry’s value at around $1,400.
The unarmed assailants quickly joined forces with the armed robber, as video shows. Despite Brito’s attempt to escape behind the counter, the robbers continued to grab cash from the register, totalling $3,700, stuffing it into a bag. At that moment, the store owner, Miguel Arias, is seen appearing with his arms raised.
Arias expressed his fear for Brito’s life, stating, “I thought he was going to be killed. His life was in danger.” He noted that the armed robber appeared anxious, and he feared the gun might discharge.
The terrified employees chose not to resist, which Arias believed was likely a wise decision. “I think if we had resisted, they would have shot us,” he remarked.
After the incident, the three suspects fled and, as of Thursday, had not been apprehended.
“It’s just the first week,” commented Francisco Marte, president of the Bodega Association.
“We’re continually being targeted, so I really hope the NYPD collaborates with our communities, especially small businesses and bodegas, to ensure our safety.”
Descriptions of the suspects were provided by New York City police: the first wore a black jacket, gray sweatshirt, black ski mask, black pants, and black sneakers. The second donned a green jacket, gray sweatshirt, light-colored pants, and black boots, while the third also was in a black jacket, black sweatshirt, black ski mask, black pants, and black sneakers.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted on the Crime Stoppers website.
