The 33-year-old victim is expected to survive as investigators search for the gunman who fled along East 149th Street.
NEW YORK — A gunman shot a 33-year-old customer inside a Bronx deli early Tuesday before threatening workers and stealing money from the cash register, police said. The wounded man was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.
The shooting and robbery happened shortly after 12:15 a.m. at 149 Grill and Deli on East 149th Street in the Melrose section of the Bronx. Surveillance video captured the encounter, giving detectives a record of the gunman’s movements inside the business as they investigate whether the customer was specifically targeted.
The video shows the gunman entering the deli and moving past another customer before approaching the 33-year-old man. The victim appeared to be handling a backpack when the gunman opened fire. Police said the man was wounded in the right arm and chest.
The gunman then took the bag and moved behind the counter, according to video of the robbery. Employees ducked for cover as additional gunfire was heard. Police said the robber pointed the weapon at workers and took an unknown amount of money from the register.
The wounded customer was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. Authorities said he was expected to survive. His name was not immediately released, and police had not announced any arrests Tuesday morning.
Investigators said the gunman left the store and ran east on East 149th Street. Police described him as wearing a red or maroon hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and white sneakers. Authorities had not released his identity.
Detectives are examining whether the shooting was directed specifically at the wounded customer rather than being solely part of the store robbery. Police had not announced a motive or explained whether the gunman and victim were known to each other.
The surveillance footage is a central part of the investigation because it records the suspect inside the deli before and after the customer was shot. Police have not disclosed whether investigators recovered a weapon or other evidence after the gunman fled.
The investigation remained active Tuesday, with the suspect still being sought and no arrests reported. Authorities had not released additional information about the amount of money taken from the deli or what may have led to the shooting.
Author note: Last updated Aug. 25, 2026.