A would-be robber was shot in the abdomen late Monday during a struggle with a confrontational Queens liquor store employee and an accomplice, police said.
Police said Kevin Plataza and Edwin Poakiza, both 20, broke into the Franja Wines and Liquors store on Wyckoff Street near Putnam Street in Ridgewood around 7:45 p.m. He is suspected of trying to steal merchandise from the department.
The two were asked to leave, but authorities said they soon returned and assaulted employee Francisco Valeirio, 53.
A clash ensued and Pratasa was shot in the abdomen during the skirmish, police said.
He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center where he was listed in stable condition.
Police said Poakiza fled but was quickly arrested.
Pratasa and Poakiza were both charged with robbery, third-degree assault and menacing, police said.
Valeiro, a Brooklyn resident, was charged with reckless endangerment, police said.
As of Tuesday afternoon, it remained unclear who fired the shots.
