Bodega Union Demands Panic Buttons After NYPD Impersonation Robbery in Bed-Stuy

Impersonation Robbery in Bed-Stuy

• 🚨 A bodega in Bed-Stuy was robbed by four individuals impersonating NYPD officers.
• 💡 The fake officers were identified by their "ray jackets," which are typically only worn by real officers at crime scenes or during operations.
• ⚠️ The impersonators were armed with guns, adding a terrifying element to the robbery for the bodega workers.
• ⛓️ An employee, Richard, was tied up and forced to the floor, while two other workers were also threatened and forced down.

Stolen Goods and Investigation

• 💰 The suspects stole lottery tickets from the store, loading them into a gray minivan.
• 🕵️ The NYPD's internal affairs team is investigating, as the suspects used NYPD apparel.
• ❓ Investigators are determining if the jackets were official issue or counterfeit, noting that officers can purchase them during their service.

Bodega Owners' Demands

• 📢 The United Bodegas Association is calling for monitored panic buttons for all bodegas for the second week in a row.
• 🤝 The association is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the four suspects.
• 📢 This incident highlights ongoing concerns for bodega owners regarding safety and crime in New York City.