80-Year-Old Worker Found Shot Dead in East New York Bodega
On Tuesday evening, a shop worker was found shot in the chest and was pronounced dead at Brookdale Hospital.
Around 6:20pm, the incident was reported to police. Eyewitnesses saw the possible gunman in an argument with the bodega worker before the shooting, but no details of the shooting itself were revealed. The only possible description was a male in his 30s or 40s.
The deli is on the corner of Stanley Ave and Ashford Street in East New York, next to the NYCHA Boulevard Houses. The worker, Abdulla Yafaee was remembered kindly by the neighborhood as being helpful to those who were low on cash.
Update: Police have made an arrest in the shooting and released details of how the shooting took place after suspected shooter 41-year-old Mark Thomas tried to buy a beer earlier from a different bodega clerk, but did not have the $2 for the purchase. Workers recognized the shooter after watching security video footage.
NYPD data shows robberies up slightly in the 75th Precinct for 2017, but murders have seen a 56% drop compared to last year.
If you have any information about this killing, contact NYPD CrimeStoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (1-800-577-8477), via text at CRIMES (274637), or via online form.
