The news came as cops in the Bronx discovered a discarded red hooded sweatshirt on Tuesday morning that they believe had been worn by the perpetrator. Cops flocked around the discarded item of clothing on Walton Avenue between East 149th and 150th Streets, not far from where the shooting took place. According to surveillance footage obtained by amNewYork, the sweater appears to match that which was worn by the gunman hours earlier.
The NYPD identified the alleged perpetrator as Bronx resident Jesus Acosta, whom they also tied to a deadly shooting at a grocery store in Brownsville, Brooklyn, just after midnight on Aug. 23.
The news came as cops in the Bronx discovered a discarded red hooded sweatshirt on Tuesday morning that they believe had been worn by the perpetrator. Cops flocked around the discarded item of clothing on Walton Avenue between East 149th and 150th Streets, not far from where the shooting took place.Photo by Dean Moses
Police sources said Acosta allegedly attempted to rob the bodega at 842 Rockaway Ave. and, in the process, shot two men. Officers from the 73rd Precinct later found the victims, which included a 44-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the head and a 39-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the leg.
EMS responded and transported both victims to Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, where the 44-year-old male was later pronounced deceased; police have not yet released his identity. The 39-year-old male is listed in stable condition.
Two days later, law enforcement sources said, Acosta allegedly struck again, this time visiting the 149 Grill and Deli at 143 East 149th St. in the South Bronx at about 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 25.
Acosta allegedly shot a patron while robbing the 149 Grill and Deli at 143 East 149th St. in the South Bronx at about 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 25, police allege.Photo courtesy of NYPD
Police sources said he allegedly brandished a firearm in the store and opened fire, striking a 33-year-old patron in the right arm; the bullet wound up stuck in the victim’s chest.
With his gun then trained on employees, cops said, Acosta allegedly walked behind the counter and emptied the register before making a run for it.
Officers from the 44th Precinct responded to the incident. EMS rushed the victim to Lincoln Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition and is expected to survive.
Bodega advocates plea for public’s help in finding shooter
Standing outside the store where the brazen shooting took place, United Bodega Workers of America spokesperson Fernando Mateo also called on the NYPD to help provide funds to install more panic buttons inside bodegas, while also railing against local politicians to enact stricter laws against those carrying illegal firearms.Photo by Dean Moses
Meanwhile, the United Bodega Workers of America say it is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest, fearing that he could strike again.
“Because he did it here, he’s going to do it anywhere else. He’s going to do it wherever, and we know that he’s not shy. He shoots because he shot someone,” spokesperson Fernando Mateo said.
Standing outside the store where the brazen shooting took place, Mateo also called on the NYPD to help provide funds to install more panic buttons inside bodegas, while also railing against local politicians to enact stricter laws against those carrying illegal firearms.
“We need to pass stronger gun laws. Anyone that gets caught with an illegal gun should do a mandatory, mandatory three to five years. If we are really serious about crime in New York City, if we are really serious about getting guns off our streets, gun buybacks don’t really work today. There are too many weapons out there. What we need is stiffer penalties, stiffer jail sentences,” Mateo said in a plea to legislators. “We’re not here to criticize you; we’re here to ask you for help. Send a message to those that are out there committing crimes, shooting people every day.”
Police said Acosta stands at 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes. He also has the word “Bronx” tattooed on his hand and the name “Bobby” tattooed on his left forearm.
Anyone with information regarding this incident can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.