NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Dramatic new video shows the moment a disgruntled customer hurled a molotov cocktail into a Brooklyn deli — as well as a bystander who stopped a second firebomb, police and FDNY officials said.
Joel Mangal, 38, is allegedly filmed throwing a molotov cocktail into the Alsqer Deli & Grocery in Bedford-Stuyvesant following a dispute with staff just before 8 a.m., police said.
The molotov instantly engulfed the store's deli counter in flames as a worker narrowly escaped catching fire, video released by the FDNY shows.
Mangal is then allegedly filmed attempting to throw a second molotov cocktail into the Nostrand Avenue store — but bystander intervened, slapping the lit firebomb out of his hand and onto the sidewalk, video shows.
Mangal then tried to flee, but was chased down by a worker, police said.
That’s when Mangal took out a pocket knife and slashed the worker, causing a small laceration, police said.
Cops arrested Mangal and transported him to NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull for an evaluation.
“Fortunately, there was no loss of life here," said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro in a statement. "The investigative work from the Explosives and Arson Task Force comprised of our Fire Marshals, the NYPD, and ATF, led to the timely arrest of this suspect who threatened the safety of our communities by using such a cruel and destructive device."
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