NYC Crime: Queens store owner shot multiple times during robbery

ASTORIA, Queens (WABC) — The owner of a cell phone store in Queens was shot Friday evening as he tried to fend off armed robbers who wanted his Rolex.

After the robbery, Top in Town Wireless in Astoria was a mess: phone cases were strewn on the floor, shelves were overturned and bullet casings were strewn about, from the bullets that hit the owner, who was in the hospital after surgery Friday night stayed.

The owner's brother stood behind the police line and wished it had been a normal Friday night.

“We were supposed to go to dinner together – and I said to him, 'What time are you picking me up from home?' and he said, 'I just got shot, can you please come here,'” Gurpreet Singh said.

Gurpreet ran to the store where he discovered the aftermath of his brother's fight with two armed robbers. Police say the robbers wanted his watch, but the owner, Kunwarjee Singh, wouldn't give up his Rolex without a fight.

“I'm pretty sure he's a hard man himself. He might have given them a fight because I know my brother – he doesn’t give up easily to robbers,” said Gurpreet.

According to police, the robbers ultimately stole the watch and shot the 40-year-old business owner shortly before 7 p.m. on Friday. His brother says he was shot three times in the stomach and legs.

Another business owner remembers that the cell phone store on Steinway Street was broken into a few years ago.

“We were talking about how to secure our businesses and he had a really good lock – the gate was locked – they came with electric wire cutters – that was a serious set up the last time they robbed him,” said Michelangelo Pinto.

However, there has never been any violence so far.

No one is more worried than Gurpreet – it is impossible for him to feel safe.

“All of this just really confuses me. I'm at a loss for words, but crime is on the rise. Actually, we close at 7:00 and 7:15 p.m. these days. We even lock our doors at each location because we don't know what will happen.” “Come at night,” says Gurpreet.

The two armed robbers are on the run and the victim had to undergo surgery to remove the bullets. He is in stable condition.

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