Deadly Harlem bodega stabbing fuels demand for panic buttons
Argument leads to deadly bodega stabbing
A man was stabbed to death Saturday outside of a Harlem bodega, according to police. FOX 5 NY's Richard Giacovis has the latest from the scene.
NEW YORK - A man was fatally stabbed multiple times in Harlem early Saturday, marking the latest in a string of deadly incidents at New York City bodegas.
What we know:
Police say the 33-year-old victim was found around 5:30 a.m. near 2640 8th Avenue with stab wounds to his back. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not yet been released, pending family notification.
Exclusive surveillance video from 8th Ave Food Convenience store near West 142nd Street shows the moments leading up to the deadly encounter.
Around 5 a.m., two men are seen talking outside the store when a third man approaches—followed shortly after by a fourth.
The conversation turns heated, and within seconds, fists start flying.
One man is knocked down, but gets back up as the fight spills onto 8th Avenue.
It becomes two against one, with the man who was initially punched now pinned to the ground.
That’s when another individual appears to pull out a knife and repeatedly stab the victim in the back.
Police say the attacker fled the scene and remains on the run.
Panic buttons inside NYC bodegas
The incident has shaken workers at the bodega and reignited calls for stronger protections.
What they're saying:
"The feeling is fear," said Fernando Mateo of United Bodegas of America. "You don’t know who’s walking through that door—someone buying a drink or someone ready to kill."
Mateo is calling on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to allocate $5 million to fund panic buttons in bodegas citywide.
Some stores already have them and say they work, but more funding is needed.
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NYC bodegas install panic buttons amid surge in violent attacks
In the wake of a rise in attacks against bodega owners and workers, help is finally coming in the form of panic buttons. The buttons are being installed in hot spots where bodega workers are most vulnerable to violence and robberies.
The buttons are designed to notify the NYPD and neighboring stores of danger in real time. When a bodega owner or clerk is in danger, pressing the button sends a text alert to law enforcement and a network of nearby businesses.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.