102nd Precinct
Richmond hill
Arrest In Armed Bodega Robbery

On Thursday, May 31, the Commanding Officer of the 102nd Precinct, Deputy Inspector Paul Piekarski, and Lieutenant Jason Huerta were on patrol in the vicinity of 109-02 101st Avenue when they observed a male entering a bodega at 109-02 101st Avenue. The suspect was allegedly pulling a mask over his head and reaching into his waistband.
The two officers exited their vehicle and approached the store and encountered the suspect who was leaving the location armed with a .38 caliber handgun. The officers announced, “Police. Don’t move,” and the suspect fled on foot with the officers in pursuit.
Additional officers joined in the search and the suspect was located. A loaded .38 caliber handgun was recovered along with more than $300 cash and a black ski mask.
The suspect has been identified as Anthony Rodriguez, 34, of 35-11 Vernon Boulevard in Astoria. He is charged with robbery in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon.