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Bodega Owner, His Machete, Robber's Ear & Finger

2007_11_machete.jpgA Queens bodega owner defended his store against a gun-wielding robber by way of a machete. Johan Marte, who owns the Erick Deli Grocery in Woodhaven, explained to the Post, "He had a gun and I took him out."

The would-be robber, 28-year-old Omar Rodriguez, had fired twice before asking for money, but Marte managed to chop off the gunman's ear and finger. The Daily News has a photo of the robber that shows crime really doesn't pay - and Rodriguez is at Jamaica Hospital in serious but stable condition.

Marte said, "I cut his hand, I cut his finger, I cut everything. When the guy has a gun and you have a machete, it isn't easy." A resident spoke to the Daily News about Marte, "He doesn't bother nobody, unless you try to rob him. You do what you gotta do. He has all his money tied up in the store." Charges are expected against Rodriguez, while Marte was not charged since he acted in self-defense.

And last month, a convenience store employee scared off a would-be robber (armed with a fake gun) by wielding a huge axe.

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By Jen Chung in on November 8, 2007 8:00 AM

Comments [rss]

  • Spirit of 76

    Good this time, but you just never know how the next time might turn out. If the robber had shot the owner, I have to wonder how many of you would have written, "He should have given him the money."



    The latest Chung-ism: "Johan Marte, who owns the Erick Deli Grocery in Woodhaven, explined to the Post..."



    Luuucy, you've got some splinin' to do!

  • spoon

    Bravo, considering it's usually the hardworking store owner that ends up on a slab. More power to him.

  • JenChungsBaby

    Too bad he didn't have a samurai sword instead. I love that Daily News photo. Hopefully every dreg and lowlife in the city will look like that the next time they mess with someone.

  • Elderta

    I'm surprised no one insisted that he should have just handed the money over and not fought back.



    Good on you, Johan, and good luck if/when it happens again, too.

  • smitty

    It's the fourth time his store has been held up in 2 years, and apparently the owner guy is really nice and always gives candy to the children.

  • MarygraceNYC

    Bastard thief got what he deserved!!



    Bravo!!

  • GOOD!

  • David McCaffredy

    Ha - funny J Rod.

  • JRod5417

    This new use of machetes by bodega owners will surely cut into ax sales.

  • Snoopy

    Bravo! Seniore.

  • RoDogg

    I use my machete to cut my ham and cheese sandwiches, but now I'll consider using it on people.

  • Chelly

    To be so precision and just get the ear. I think I would've gotten his whole head.

  • Dirk

    Haha, the robber got what he deserved.

  • pik

    HERE HERE FOR SELF DEFENSE!

  • Rocknrope

    So much for not taking a knife to a gunfight.

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