Deli workers fight off armed robbers

QUEENS (WABC) -- Workers at a deli in Queens managed to fight off armed robbers.

It happened in the Lantigua Deli on 14th Street in Astoria on Saturday at 7:20 a.m.

Two men walked into the deli and demanded money from the register at gunpoint.

The workers decided to fight the first suspect, during which a round was fired from the suspect's gun.

Fortunately, no one was injured.

The workers managed to subdue him and, during that time, the second suspect and another man outside ran away.

Police arrived a short time later and arrested 24-year-old Jose Cruz of Brooklyn.

Cruz is charged with robbery, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.

Police recovered a .40-caliber Glock firearm from Cruz.

Investigators released a photo of the second suspect, who remains on the run, along with at least one other man.

The second suspect is described as a Hispanic man, age 30 to 40, 5-foot-10, 250 pounds and wearing all black.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

You can also submit your tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting your tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577.

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new york city, astoria, queens, robbery, local news, lucy yang

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