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Crime in New York: Queens store owner shot multiple times during robbery

Pabio November 9, 2024

ASTORIA, Queens (WABC) — “Top in Town Wireless” in Astoria was a mess Friday night with phone cases strewn on the floor and shelves overturned. There were also bullet casings that hit the homeowner.

The owner’s brother stood behind the police tape, wishing it was a normal Friday night.

“We were supposed to go to dinner together – and I was calling him like ‘what time are you picking me up from home?’ and he said, “I just got shot, can you make your way over here?” said Gurpreet Singh.

Gurpreet runs to the store, where he watches the aftermath of his brother’s struggle with two armed robbers. Police say she wanted his watch, but Kunwarjee Singh wouldn’t give up his Rolex without a fight.

“I’m pretty sure he is a tough man himself. He might have fought them because I know my brother. He doesn’t give up so easily when facing thieves,” Gurpreet said.

The result is far from easy. Police said the thieves ultimately stole the watch and shot the 40-year-old business owner shortly before 7 p.m. Friday. His brother claims to have been shot three times in the abdomen and legs.

The cell phone store on Steinway Street was burglarized a few years ago, another business owner recalled.

“We talked about how to secure our businesses and it had a really good lock – the gate was down – they came with an electrical wire cutter – it was serious production when they stole it last time” , said Michelangelo Pinto.

However, it has never been violent until now.

No one is more worried than Gurpreet: it is impossible for him to feel safe.

“I’m just very confused with all of this. I have no words, but crime is increasing. We actually close at 7, 7:15 these days. We even close our doors at every location because we don’t know not what is going to happen. come night,” says Gurpreet.

The two robbers are on the run and the victim had to undergo surgery to remove the bullets in his body. He is currently in stable condition in hospital.