A quiet overnight shift in Bedford Park exploded into violence last Wednesday when two armed men stormed a business on Villa Avenue, pistol-whipped one worker, smashed a chair over another, then bolted with cash and phones, according to police.
The robbery unfolded around 3 a.m. on April 22, when the suspects walked into the store and quickly turned aggressive. A 27-year-old employee was struck in the head with a gun and a 22-year-old worker was hit with a chair. The pair of robbers grabbed both victims’ cellphones along with about $250 from the register before taking off on foot.
News12 reports that police later released images of two men they believe were involved in the holdup. Citing NYPD data, the outlet noted that reported robberies in the area covered by the 52nd Precinct are up nearly 9 percent so far this year, with at least 124 cases logged compared with 113 over the same stretch last year.
Where It Happened And The Precinct Picture
The business sits within the NYPD’s 52nd Precinct, which covers Bedford Park and surrounding neighborhoods and posts precinct-level crime stats and contact details online. The 52nd Precinct and local outlet Norwood News have both highlighted recent violent incidents and robberies in the area, which business owners say are putting a strain on neighborhood shops.
Investigation And How To Share Tips
Police have circulated still images of the suspected duo and, according to News12, no arrests had been announced as of the outlet’s April 27 update. Investigators are urging anyone who recognizes the men in the photos or who may have cellphone video or other evidence from around Villa Avenue at the time of the crime to come forward so detectives can chase down new leads.
Anyone with information can contact the NYPD’s 52nd Precinct at (718) 220-5811 or visit the precinct’s website for community contacts and reporting options. The location tied to the investigation is listed as 3128 Villa Ave, Bronx, NY 10468, where police say the images of the suspected men were released.
