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Bodega owner shot in the face

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

(Queens - WABC, June 12, 2007) (WABC) -- A bodega owner is fighting for his life, as police search for a group of suspects behind a string of robberies in Queens.The owner, who is a father of seven children, was shot in the face in South Ozone Park last night.

Eyewitness News reporter N.J. Burkett was at Jamaica Hospital with the story.

Family members have had a very rough morning as they prepare to make a decision between life and death.

"I never expected this to happen to him or around here," friend Luis Calderon said.

The owner of the deli was an admired member of the South Ozone Park community. A man who's presence is already being missed by many.

"He was a very kind man, so I'm very sorry to hear this," said victim's friend Danny Reyes.

The tragic shooting happened around 9:30 last night when 56-year-old Bolivar Cruz was working late inside the Kennedy Mini Mart on 131st Street, the family's deli.

"The whole family works in the store, so you can imagine," friend Robert Siverls said. "For something to happen like this is very tragic."

The shooting scene may have been the second of its kind. Authorities believe the suspects, three men, had hit another bodega at 107-50 Van Wyck Expressway just 10 minutes before the shooting.

Police say the suspects stuck a gun at the owner of Kennedy Mini Mart before firing one shot and leaving the store.

At this point police are trying to determine if the latest incidents are part of pattern.

Bolivar Cruz was brought to Jamaica Hospital in very critical condition. As far as the investigation is concerned, police have not made any arrests.

NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said today that the three men responsible for the shooting are also believed to be responsible for as many as thirteen additional robberies since March.

The commissioner said that the wounded bodega owner was packing a .380 calibre pistol and appeared to have drawn it when he was shot in the face by one of the bandits. He was unable to fire it, and the men escaped with no more than $100.

In both robberies Monday, they escaped in a red four-door sedan, possibly a Lexus, with Florida plates. Officials say there is no useful description of the suspects.

Kelly added that the men may be among the most dangerous people in New York at the moment.

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