NEW YORK (WCBS) - Police are looking for three suspects caught on digicam attacking employees at a New York Metropolis bodega with knives in an tried theft.
Jesus Ramirez, a employee at a Harlem bodega, says three individuals got here into the shop final Wednesday afternoon. They demanded he open the register, and when he refused, Ramirez says the suspects threatened him.
Surveillance video reveals a person throw a rack of chips at Ramirez and one other employee, who had been cornered behind the register. As he knocks over containers, a second suspect turns the nook and chucks a knife on the two employees. They continued to hurl objects, together with a bottle of tomato sauce and different snacks.
“So, I used to be panic[ked], you already know,” Ramirez mentioned. “I attempted to inform the fellows, ‘Please don’t do that as a result of I've household.’ I imply, I used to be scared, completely scared.”
Whereas this was occurring, Ramirez says his brother got here to the bodega to start out his shift. He regarded inside from the doorway and known as 911.
The suspects then left the shop. Video reveals them chasing Ramirez’s brother down the block.
“He hides over there and goes inside, however with the knife, he will get his hand like this – they tried to chop it,” Ramirez mentioned.
Ramirez himself suffered bruises to his torso and head. He says he has not had a great night time’s sleep for the reason that incident.
“However I've to return to work as a result of I've household. I've to feed my children,” he mentioned.
The three suspects at the moment are needed for tried theft. Authorities ask anybody with data on them to name police.
Throughout New York Metropolis, robberies are up 13% to this point in 2023, and they're up 200% within the Harlem precinct the place this incident occurred.
Francisco Marte, founding father of the Bodega and Small Enterprise Affiliation, says deli employees proceed to be focused.
“We're afraid,” Marte mentioned. “We're asking our elected officers: ‘Let’s work collectively for the general public security.’”