Police investigate fatal stabbing outside Queens bodega
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Police are investigating a deadly stabbing involving a bodega employee and a customer just after midnight on Tuesday morning.
The stabbing happened in front of 97-02 Queens Blvd. in Flushing around 12:36 a.m., according to authorities.
Police say it all started when the customer tried to steal beer from a mini-mart. The employee and the customer first argued in the store but things escalated onto the street.
Surveillance video obtained by PIX11 News shows the deadly encounter. The employee is seen initially chasing after the customer, but at one point, the customer appears to pursue the employee, which is when the alleged stabbing happened.
Police were called to the scene where they found a trail of blood that led them to the customer, a 21-year-old from the Bronx. He was rushed to the hospital but died, police said.
After the stabbing, the employee allegedly cleaned off the knife and waited for police to arrive, sources said. The employee is in police custody but so far, charges are still pending.
Fernando Mateo, president of United Bodegas of America, released the following statement regarding the incident: “This is tragic, this is what we were trying to avoid, someone losing their life. We ask the public and the media not to jump to conclusions until NYPD detectives have pieced the puzzle. We are hoping NYPD video tapes will tell the real story of what happened. UBA believes DA Melinda Katz will be fair after reviewing the evidence and seeing the video tapes. UBA will hold a press conference once we have the full story. No other comments will be made about this case until then”.