Duane Reade manager shot in head at Queens store
WOODSIDE, Queens (WABC) -- The manager of a Queens Duane Reade was shot inside the 24-hour drug store during an apparent robbery attempt overnight Monday.
Police say the 49-year-old victim was shot in the head around 3:40 a.m. at the location on Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside.
The man, who was reportedly near the register at the time, was hospitalized in critical condition. At this point, he is expected to survive.
He was discovered by a delivery man, and it appeared nothing was taken from the store.
No arrests have been made, but authorities believe the same suspect struck again at a 7-Eleven on Northern Boulevard at 4:01 a.m. and a Rite Aid at on 30th Avenue at 4:15 a.m.
Some in the area know the victim because they shop in the Duane Reade. Crime scene unit detectives began their arduous task of collecting evidence and documenting the scene.
The hope is that a suspect can be identified through video surveillance cameras in the store.
"I wouldn't have a store open 24/7," said Joseph Tramontana, who runs a business in the area. "Who's going to go shopping 2, 3 o'clock in the morning? I don't know."
A man was fatally shot in the same location in July, in a small park just outside the business. Police say a homeless man killed another homeless man.
Residents who have lived in the area for years say the neighborhood is changing.
"I don't think it's a good idea to keep these stores open 24 hours," area resident Corrie Luciano said. "That only encourages these people to come and do these things. It's terrible. I feel very bad. I hope this person makes it."
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