A 33-year-old man who was shot during a robbery at a Bronx deli early Tuesday has died, and police say the suspect in the killing is also wanted in connection with a fatal shooting at a Brooklyn restaurant two days earlier.
The Bronx shooting happened shortly after midnight at 149 Grill & Deli near East 149th Street and Walton Avenue. Surveillance video shows a man entering the store with a handgun, approaching a customer and firing before going behind the counter and taking cash from the register.
The victim was shot in the chest and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died, according to police and local reports. A memorial was placed outside the deli as investigators continued searching for the gunman.
Police have identified the suspect as 31-year-old Jesus Acosta of the Bronx. Investigators say he is about 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds. He has a tattoo reading “Bronx” on his hand and another reading “Bobby” on his left forearm.
Surveillance footage from inside the deli shows the suspect wearing a maroon or red hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and white sneakers. After the shooting and robbery, police said he fled and discarded the sweatshirt nearby. The video also shows him taking money from the register before leaving the store.
Police link suspect to Brooklyn killing
Investigators say Acosta is also wanted in connection with a shooting Sunday at American Best Wings & Pizza on Rockaway Avenue in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Police said a 44-year-old man was shot in the head and later died at One Brooklyn Health-Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. A second man, 39, was shot in the leg and survived. Authorities have identified Acosta as the suspect sought in that case as well.
The two shootings occurred within roughly 48 hours, prompting investigators to examine whether the incidents were part of the same robbery pattern. Police have not announced an arrest.
Acosta was recently released from prison
Police records cited by local news outlets show that Acosta has a lengthy criminal history. He served more than 10 years in state prison for assault and criminal possession of a weapon and was released on parole in April. ABC7 reported that he has 13 prior arrests dating back to 2010.
Authorities are continuing to search for him.
The United Bodegas of America has offered a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. The organization also renewed calls for greater security measures at bodegas, including wider access to panic buttons.
Anyone with information about Acosta’s whereabouts is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish-language tips can be made at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can be submitted confidentially.
The investigation remains active, and police have not said what specifically led to the two shootings or whether additional charges will be filed.
