Two suspects wearing helmets have been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting a Queens cellphone store worker and stealing his $22,000 Rolex during a robbery last fall. Elier Sanchez, 23, and Danilxon Alvarez, 34, who are believed to be migrants from Venezuela, were arrested separately over the past three weeks in connection to the violent November incident in Astoria.
Sanchez was initially apprehended for shoplifting on January 3 and was later linked to the robbery while still in custody. Alvarez was captured by US Marshals in New Jersey after barricading himself in a building on January 29. The robbery took place at the Top in Town Wireless store on Steinway Street near 34th Avenue in Astoria, where the suspects engaged in a physical altercation with the store worker before one of them fired multiple shots, hitting the victim in the legs and torso.
After shooting the victim, the suspects stole his expensive Rolex watch before fleeing on a scooter. The victim was transported to Elmhurst Hospital Center and was reported to be in stable condition. Surveillance footage released after the incident showed one suspect wearing a gray helmet with a black jacket and blue jeans, while the other suspect wore a black helmet, a red mask, a blue hooded sweatshirt, and red and black sneakers.
Both Sanchez and Alvarez were charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, in addition to attempted murder. They have pleaded not guilty and were remanded without bail during their arraignments. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working to bring the suspects to justice for their alleged crimes.
