Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Video Sheds Light on Bodega Hammer Attack
By
Dave Hogarty
Published Apr 23, 2008
Modified Apr 23, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Dave Hogarty
Published Apr 23, 2008
Modified Apr 23, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Surveillance video from Munchies Bodega in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn shows, somewhat fuzzily, the circumstances that led to the bludgeoning of 15-year-old Bunkless Bovian by the store's owner ten days ago. The owner, Salah Ahmad, was charged with felony assault and Bovian was placed in a medically induced coma at Brookdale Hospital after the incident.
WNBC obtained surveillance video from the night, showing 19-year-old clerk (and Ahmad's nephew) Hazam Kassim confronting an individual. The argument quickly turned physical and three people were eventually fighting with Kassim who claimed he was slashed with a razor. The video also appears to show Bovian just off-camera and alone with the clerk behind the counter, which was rocked so violently most of the merchandise fell to the floor.
As the melee continues, one can see Ahmad rush to the scene and strike Bovian once in the head before the teenager stumbled out of the store. Initial accounts reported Bovian was confronted by Ahmad over alleged shoplifting; Bovian's parents said their son was arguing with a friend in the store when he was assaulted by Ahmad.
Ahmad's lawyer thinks the police should go after the teenagers, "Mr. Ahmad is not a vigilante. Mr. Ahmed was a victim in this case. And when you look at the entire videotape and you see Mr. Ahmed assaulted even after his nephew was assaulted, he did show remarkable restraint given the circumstances."
Tagged
assault
bludgeon
brooklyn
brownsville
bunkless bovian
hammer
hazam kassim
munchies bodega
salah ahmad
Dave Hogarty
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD: Officer shot, injured knife-wielding woman during ‘chaotic’ night at Queens home
The woman is in stable condition, police said, but several people were stabbed.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 24, 2026 at 8:35 a.m. ET
3 slates vying to run Jersey City school board as city stares down major tax hikes
The incumbent slate, formerly backed by the teacher's union, lost that influential support over public arguments and controversies.
By
Michael Sol Warren
News
3 slates vying to run Jersey City school board as city stares down major tax hikes
The incumbent slate, formerly backed by the teacher's union, lost that influential support over public arguments and controversies.
By
Michael Sol Warren
5 men charged with trespassing in 2 Manhattan manhole cases
By
Charles Lane
6-year-old girl breaks leg after getting hit by falling bricks in Queens
By
Charles Lane
Mamdani extends ban on permits for new street fairs due to NYPD overtime
By
Carol Chen
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .