Bronx bodega owner locks looters in store until police arrive

Saturday, February 13, 2016
Bronx bodega owner locks looters in store until police arrive
Carolina Leid has more from the Melrose section.

MELROSE, Bronx (WABC) -- One too many drinks apparently led to a bodega in the Bronx getting trashed by two men. The suspects who were caught on camera causing chaos in the store, are now under arrest.

The owner of the bodega allegedly caught the men stealing, and decided to lock them in the building to give police a chance to get there. The men trashed the place - spilling soda on the ground, and knocking down shelves, all while going down a list of expletives.

The incident happened in January at Tony's Deli and Market on Cortlandt Avenue in the Melrose section. Many area residents say they are not surprised about what went on, and that they are afraid to walk the street because it is just that dangerous.

Police arrested 20-year-old Kevin Gaithers, and 33-year-old David Stalling, and charged them with criminal mischief.