NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A man ran into a Queens bodega in a bid for help while he was being chased by an assailant on Saturday night and he was stabbed to death in front of store clerks, according to police and United Bodegas of America.
It happened at 9:40 p.m. inside Sammy Gourmet Deli on Jamaica Avenue near 169th Street in Jamaica. Police said that one man ran into the bodega quickly followed by another, and a fight ensued.
The victim, who investigators are working to identify, was stabbed multiple times in his neck and shoulders. EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.
UBA, an association of bodega owners that provides assistance and services to its members, said that the man “ran into a bodega seeking safety, [and] was stabbed to death while the bodega clerks watched in horror.”
There have been no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.
“Bodegas are not equipped to save lives and that must change,” head of the UBA Fernando Mateo said in a statement. “We need state, city and federal funds to install tech equipment, panic buttons, secured bullet proof doors, cameras, etc. Safe haven bodegas.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed in January a $40 million investment plan to help bodega and small business owners curb shoplifting and violence, with $5 million allocated to increase security and police presence at the establishments. Mateo said it is time for her to releases these funds.
The UBA has declared a “state of emergency,” Mateo said, and will be reaching out to Sen. Chuck Shumer about funding. He also called on the federal government to get involved.
The stabbing occurred the night before Bodega Fest, a celebration being held Sunday afternoon on Grand Concourse in the Bronx that Mateo told 1010 WINS is meant to “[remind] people that bodegas are not just a place where you buy beer, soda, eggs. It’s a place that people gather, it’s a community center.”
Bodega Fest includes artist performances, food and booths for community celebration, but Saturday’s murder has left a dark cloud lingering over the celebration.
“Condolences go to the family of the deceased. We are sorry that we weren’t able to do more to save his life and we’re going to work very hard, diligently,” Mateo said. “We’ve been meeting with technology companies from around the country to see what we can implement to start saving lives.”