The late Tuesday heist that took place at El Sitio Deli Grocery in Crotona Park East was a terrifying incident captured on video. Three masked individuals, one armed with a gun, entered the bodega and ambushed the employees who were cleaning up before closing time. The criminals demanded money and jewelry from the employees, ultimately stealing over $4,000 and valuable jewelry.
In the footage obtained by The Post, the masked trio can be seen entering the store, with one of them grabbing the hand of employee Jeffrey Brito who was working behind the counter. Another suspect pointed a gun at Brito while the third stood by. They demanded money and jewelry from Brito, who was left shaken by the incident. The thieves also took $400 from his pocket along with his chain and earring, which he estimated to be worth $1,400.
The two unarmed suspects then went behind the counter, joining their gun-wielding accomplice. Brito managed to escape to a safer area behind the counter while the store owner, Miguel Arias, emerged with his arms raised as the criminals emptied the cash register, taking $3,700 in cash. Arias expressed his fear during the ordeal, believing that the gun might go off and endanger their lives.
Despite the terrifying situation, the employees did not resist the suspects, a decision that potentially saved their lives according to Arias. The trio then fled the scene and had not been apprehended by Thursday. Bodega Association President Francisco Marte expressed concern for the safety of small businesses like bodegas, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the community and the NYPD to prevent such crimes.
The NYPD provided descriptions of the suspects, urging anyone with information to come forward. The first suspect was wearing a black jacket, gray sweatshirt, black ski mask, black pants, and black sneakers. The second suspect was dressed in a green jacket, gray sweatshirt, light-colored pants, and black boots, while the third suspect wore a black jacket, black sweatshirt, black ski mask, black pants, and black sneakers.
Individuals with information on the whereabouts of the suspects are encouraged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers. Tips can also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers website or on social media platforms like @NYPDTips. The community’s cooperation is vital in ensuring the safety and security of businesses and residents in the area.
