The deli had cameras, buzzers and panic buttons, but the gunman escaped on foot after wounding an employee.
NEW YORK — A bodega organization offered a $5,000 reward Thursday as police reviewed evidence from a Lower East Side deli where an employee was shot despite several security measures inside the store.
The United Bodegas of America announced the reward for information leading to an arrest after the attempted armed robbery on Rivington Street. Police said the gunman fled on foot and remained at large. Authorities had not publicly identified a suspect.
The shooting happened at about 1:30 a.m. Thursday. A 25-year-old employee was grazed in the upper leg and received medical care, according to police and WABC-TV. The worker later said he was recovering.
The employee, who identified himself as Ace, said the store was equipped with surveillance cameras, buzzers and panic buttons. Police spent part of Thursday morning going in and out of the deli while gathering evidence.
Authorities did not immediately say whether the cameras captured images that could identify the gunman. Police also did not disclose whether a panic button was activated or whether investigators had obtained video from nearby businesses.
Ace said the man came into the deli looking to purchase candy and chips but did not have enough money. The customer remained in the store, then displayed a gun when the worker became distracted and attempted to rob the business, Ace said.
A gunshot grazed the employee during the confrontation. Police said the suspect ran from the scene wearing a black shirt, black shorts and white sneakers. No other injuries were reported in the available accounts.
The encounter occurred during Ace’s overnight shift about a month after he began working at the deli. Officials had not released further information about what the gunman demanded, whether anything was taken or how long he remained inside.
The reward added a financial incentive to the continuing search, but an arrest had not been announced Thursday. Police continued examining evidence and seeking information about the suspect’s identity and route after he left the store.
Author note: Last updated August 6, 2026.