Deli customer stabbed in a fight over scooter
A customer at a Manhattan deli was stabbed in the gut during a drunken fight over an electric scooter, startling video released by cops Wednesday shows.
The 42-year-old victim grabbed the handlebars of a scooter propped up next to the counter inside the Stop 1 Food Market in Hell’s Kitchen and tried to roll off with it about 11:45 p.m. on Sept. 23, cops said.
That’s when another customer grabbed the frame of the scooter just under the seat, prompting a tug-of-war inside the deli on 10th Ave. at 51st St., the video shows.
The angry customer yanked the scooter back into the deli, injuring his finger in the process. That’s when he grabbed a knife from behind the counter and ran after the victim, who was outside, and stabbed him in the back, the video shows.
He then came back inside and threw the knife to the ground.
Medics rushed the victim to Mount Sinai West hospital, where he was treated for a minor injury.
Police sources said the victim was intoxicated and harassing store workers before the clash with the other customer.
Cops are asking the public’s help identifying the attacker, who was making a purchase in the deli just before the incident. He ran off uptown on 10th Ave., witnesses told police.
The assailant is described as Hispanic and between 5feet-5 and 5-feet-6. He was wearing a dark-colored baseball cap, a black hooded sweater with the words “Bear Strength” printed on it, blue sweatpants and black sneakers.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.