Surveillance video, reward in arrest of suspected shoplifter wanted for knife attack on Bronx bodega employee

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

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

Police said the suspect was trying to rob the bodega when the clerk tried to stop him. The suspect struck 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 him, not knowing the man was going to freak out.

“The shoplifter pulled 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 poor condition.

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

Police said several items had a total value of less than $50.

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

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

United Bodegas of America is offering a $2,000 reward that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the stabber.

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

“These senseless acts of violence have shocked the community, and UBA is urgently calling on elected officials and community leaders to help prevent further tragedies. The UBA remains committed to the creation of Safe Haven Stores to ensure that bodegas across the city are equipped with safety measures to protect workers and customers,” the UBA said in a statement.

In addition to tips that lead to an arrest, United Bodegas of America is also calling on the state to help fund more panic buttons for bodegas, like the ones 50 stores received as part of a pilot program in June.

“The violence that has taken place in our bodegas is heartbreaking. We mourn the loss of Ms. Guyton, and now another innocent person is fighting for her life. We have taken steps to protect some of our businesses, but this must be done citywide,” explained Radahmes Rodriguez, President of the UBA.

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

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