Bronx Bodega Robbery Spree Has Residents On Edge
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Two men who robbed seven stores in the Bronx over the last two months left store owners and residents wondering where they will strike next, Kathyrn Brown reports.
Surveillance video showed the pair of masked gunmen walk into a West Farms bodega, order everyone to the ground, and demand cash. "They came inside with a shotgun and a pistol and they put everybody on the ground," said bodega manager Anthony Espinal, recounting what happened at his store back in January.
"They put my father on the ground with a pistol, like 'Where the money at? Where the money at? Give me all the money'," he said.
In each robbery, the thieves got away with cash. No one was hurt, but the threat of violence was enough to scare people who live nearby and frequent the stores.
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"It's terrible. I'm worried because I walk over here every morning, every evening, when I come from work and you never know," said resident Carmen Bell.
Police described both suspects as black men about 6'2" and 210 pounds. Both were last seen wearing black jackets and blue jeans - one with a purple hoodie, the other with a red sweatshirt.
Most of the bodegas that have been hit have high-tech security systems but, so far, the suspects have been careful to keep their faces hidden.
"Eventually they'll find these culprits," said resident Adelphis Rivero.
All the robberies happened between 9 p.m. and midnight. Anyone with information in regards to these incidents is asked to call Crime stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at www.crimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
