Bodega Workers, Cops Offer $15K Reward For UES Deli Shooter

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Bodega workers and police are offering a $15,000 reward for anyone who can help find the shooter who killed an Upper East Side bodega worker Friday night, officials announced at a press conference Monday.

NYPD later released additional photos of the suspect, including a surveillance still of the person unmasked.

Members of United Bodegas of America and the NYPD made their announcement outside Daona deli on East 81st Street and Third Avenue, where a 67-year-old overnight worker was killed on Friday.

"We know what the neighborhood bodega means," said NYPD commissioner Edward Caban. "It was like an extension of our living rooms, the clerk behind the counter was like family.

"We are disgusted that this innocent man was taken in such a cowardly act," added Caban. "It doesn't surprise me that people have left cards, candles and flowers here."

The Tyvek-suited robber may be connected to three other robberies has been seen fleeing on a dark-colored scooter, said Joe Kenny, Assistant Chief of Detective.

The NYPD will offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and the United Bodega Workers of America will offer an additional $5,000.

Both groups called on store workers to tell shoppers to take off their masks inside, arguing the face coverings make it harder to catch criminals.

Because of the shooter's getup, Kenny said the NYPD was "having a hard time identifying him."

Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey pleaded for shoppers to lower their masks as a "peace offering."

The bodega workers' spokesperson, former republican mayoral candidate and restauranteur Fernando Mateo, it wasn't "an old lady with a cane," that scared workers.

"Put it back on if you like," Mateo said. "But we want to see you."

Mateo didn't mince words when he echoed his message to cab drivers.

"Don't allow anyone you can't see in your car," Mateo said. "They're gonna rob you, they're kill you, they're gonna take your life."

One reporter asked what deterrence such requests would have on determined robbers, especially those like the gunman who killed the Daona Deli worker known as Michael on Friday.

"It's a common sense approach," Maddery said. "Some stores have buzzer systems."