Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Video: Brooklyn Deli Thieves Busted After Mistaking Bathroom Door For Exit


By

Jen Chung

Published Jan 19, 2013

Modified Jan 19, 2013


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

Jen Chung

Published Jan 19, 2013

Modified Jan 19, 2013


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

Cops were able to stop a Brooklyn deli robbery in progress on Wednesday—helped in part by the thieves' stupidity.

When Police Officer Mark Xylas and Police Officer Favio Quizhpi responded to calls at Gourmet Buffalo Deli on Buffalo Avenue, they found two men beating a deli worker. They yelled, "POLICE! DROP YOUR GUNS!" and the suspects started running to the back of the store, where other store patrons were hiding in the back.

According to the NYPD, "As the suspects attempted to break down a door in the rear of the location, officers Xylas and Quizhphi were able to safely direct the patrons out of the location. Realizing that they were not able to escape through the bathroom door, both suspects walked out from the rear of the store dropped their guns and were apprehended with the assistance of the 77th Precinct's Anti-Crime Unit without further incident."

The deli clerk, Said Gaafar, told WABC 7, "All I remember is they start beating me again with the feet and with the guns too, more times, many, many times.

The police recovered a .32 caliber Rossi revolver and a .45 caliber Hi-point semi-automatic firearm were recovered. The suspects, Isaiah Henderson, 20, and James Gillepsie, 23, were charged with robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, unlawful imprisonment and menacing.

Tagged

arrest

brooklyn

deli

nypd

robbery


Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board

Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.

By

Ryan Kost

Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET


NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought

The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.

By

Rosemary Misdary

News

NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought

The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.

By

Rosemary Misdary


Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases

By

Catalina Gonella

Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions

By

Jon Campbell

Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer

By

Ben Feuerherd


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 .