Bronx bodega worker stocking vegetable struck by stray bullet

SOUNDVIEW (WABC) -- A worker stocking vegetables was shot outside a Bronx bodega Thursday, and police say it appears the victim was a totally innocent bystander.

The 43-year-old man was shot in the head outside the deli on Morrison Avenue in the Soundview section at 5:10 p.m.

Authorities say he was stocking vegetables outside the store when gunshots rang out nearby, and he was struck by a bullet.

"We believe him to be a totally innocent subject," NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said. "He was stocking shelves outside, and he was hit by a stray round...There were two individuals shooting at another two individuals. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."

The victim was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center in critical condition, but he has since been upgraded and is expected to survive.

Two suspects fled the scene. One of them, identified as 22-year-old Lameek Oliver, was arrested at 3:20 a.m. Friday. He was charged with assault.

The motive for the shooting was not known.