A 44-year-old cherished bodega proprietor is currently in critical
condition following a stabbing incident that occurred while he was en
route to his vehicle in the Bronx on Thursday night. Maged Alsayidi, the
long-time owner of 69 Deli, was attacked at approximately 11:15 p.m. as
he walked from his store to his car at the intersection of East 169th
Street and College Avenue in the Concourse Village area.
Surveillance footage captures the moments leading up to the brutal
stabbing incident. A man dressed in a tank top, who is identified as the
bodega owner, is seen carrying a carton of eggs just prior to the
attack.
The video further reveals another individual trailing behind him,
maneuvering between parked vehicles. Mere seconds after they move out of
view, the assailant delivers ten stab wounds to the bodega owner's
chest.
Members of Alsayidi's family, along with the United Bodegas of America,
assert that the individual who inflicted the stab wound was a customer.
According to the victim's cousin, the incident began several hours prior
at the bodega when the owner intervened to prevent the suspect from
committing theft. "He confronted him here, and they engaged in a
confrontation, but ultimately he let him go, as it seemed futile,"
stated Alsayidi's cousin. Surveillance footage reveals the suspect
dressed in a black shirt and black pants within the bodega, hours before
he returned to stab the owner as the latter was approaching his
vehicle.
Alsayidi was transported to Lincoln Hospital in critical condition;
however, his cousin has reported that he is now in stable condition.
Several neighbors informed Eyewitness News that they are familiar with
the suspect, noting that he consistently wears a complete ski mask.
Employees at the bodega indicated that he is a frequent customer with
whom they have previously encountered problems.
The United Bodegas of America is now urging for increased measures to
address the assaults targeting bodega owners.
