Bronx, New York — A late-night fire at a neighborhood deli turned into a horrifying attack Tuesday after a masked suspect allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail into the storefront, leaving a 33-year-old worker with severe burns across his face and body.
The incident happened around 10:10 p.m. near West 183rd Street and Jerome Avenue in Fordham Heights, according to authorities.
The flaming device reportedly ignited the inside of the small shop almost immediately. Surveillance footage obtained by local media showed the storefront suddenly lighting up, with at least one shadowy figure visible near the doorway.
Worker Caught in Flames During Attack
The victim was inside the deli when the fire erupted and suffered serious burns.
His cousin, a man who identified himself as Mizzy, said he was nearby when the attack happened and witnessed the aftermath. Mizzy described the moment as extremely disturbing, saying the victim’s skin was “peeling off” after he was caught in the flames.
He said people had to use a blanket to extinguish the fire on his cousin.
The injured worker was transported to Jacobi Medical Center, where he was listed in serious but stable condition, according to fire officials.
Suspect Flees After Fiery Attack
Police said the suspect, described as a masked male, fled the scene on foot and remained at large.
Investigators reportedly believe the suspect may have been acquainted with the victim, although authorities had not established a clear motive. Mizzy offered a different account, saying he believed a group of young suspects may have been involved.
“Look, long story short, some young, young kids, went in – dressed up, skied up, came and threw Molotov cocktails,” he said.
He described the attack as an old-fashioned form of violence that unexpectedly brought a terrifying scene to the neighborhood.
Two-Alarm Fire Damages Nearby Businesses
The attack triggered a two-alarm FDNY response, with firefighters working for approximately an hour to bring the blaze under control.
The fire did not only affect the deli. A nearby bakery, fashion shop and laundromat were also impacted by the flames and resulting damage.
Cheo Basquez, the owner and manager of a nearby laundromat, said businesses now face a long process of assessing the damage and making repairs.
“We gotta wait for the insurance company,” Basquez said. “Assess, rebuild…they gotta fix the roof and everything.”
He added that business owners do not yet know how many months repairs could take.
Family Says Attack Was Outrageous and Unexpected
Mizzy said the victim has been a familiar presence in the neighborhood for years and is well-liked by local residents.
“He’s been here with the community [for a] very long time,” he said, describing his cousin as someone who had “a lot of love” from people in the area.
Despite the brutality of the attack, Mizzy said he suspected his cousin may not have been the intended target.
That question could become a key part of the investigation as detectives work to identify the person responsible and determine why the deli was targeted.
For now, the suspect remains at large while the injured worker continues recovering from his burns. Investigators are expected to examine surveillance footage and other evidence from the scene as they work to piece together exactly what happened.
The attack has also left neighboring businesses facing significant damage and uncertainty about when they will be able to fully reopen.
What do you think investigators should focus on to identify the person responsible for this attack? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
