A man was brutally stabbed to death on Saturday night after seeking refuge in a Queens bodega, highlighting the escalating violence that has put small shops in New York City in a state of emergency. The incident occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. when the victim, a 40-year-old man whose identity remains unknown, rushed into Sammy’s Gourmet Deli on Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica, desperately seeking help. Shockingly, he was repeatedly stabbed in front of horrified store clerks, according to both the police and a representative for small-shop merchants.
Law enforcement sources have revealed that the fatal assault was the result of a dispute that had spilled into the store. Fernando Mateo, the head of the United Bodegas of America (UBA), expressed his concern over the lack of resources available to bodegas in saving lives, declaring a state of emergency for the organization. Mateo emphasized that bodegas serve as community centers, with their role extending beyond selling everyday essentials. He stressed that approximately 35% of their work involves assisting the community and collaborating with the NYPD to solve crimes.
The NYPD has not released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Saturday’s slaying. However, the safety of bodega workers has been an ongoing concern in the city. In January, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $40 million plan to support bodega and small-business owners, including allocating around $5 million to enhance security measures and increase police presence to combat shoplifting and violence in neighborhood stores. Nevertheless, Mateo claims that he has yet to witness the promised investment materialize.
A local resident, interviewed in a video obtained by The Post, revealed that the fatal dispute at Sammy’s Deli originated from an argument over a stolen wallet, which quickly escalated. The woman expressed her unease about the area’s safety, particularly as a parent raising children in the neighborhood.
Unfortunately, bodegas across the five boroughs have repeatedly become crime scenes in recent years. In May, a deli worker in Queens fatally stabbed a man from the Bronx who was choking him inside the store. Another man was stabbed to death in a separate Queens store during a fight over beer. In April, an innocent bystander was shot and killed during an armed robbery at a Bronx bodega. In February, a Brooklyn deli worker was shot in the back during a dispute over cigars, as reported by the police.
According to NYPD statistics, robberies at bodegas and small stores in the city have more than doubled by mid-2022 compared to the same period in 2021. Small-time merchants have repeatedly called for assistance from City Hall to address this alarming trend.
In a concerning development, The Post reported that an increasing number of bodega workers have resorted to arming themselves by the end of 2023.
2 Responses
I’m curious to know more about the escalating violence that small shops in New York City are facing. Could you please provide more details or examples of the incidents that have led to this state of emergency?
I’m really saddened to hear about the tragic incident that occurred in Queens. It’s truly disheartening to see the escalating violence affecting small shops in New York City. I would love to hear the author’s thoughts on what measures can be taken to address this issue and ensure the safety of both shop owners and customers. Additionally, I’m curious about their opinion on the role of the community and law enforcement in preventing such incidents in the future.