Bronx Bodega Worker Dies Days After Being Hit By Stray Bullet
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A bodega worker has died, days after he was wounded by a stray bullet outside his workplace in the Bronx.
Friends said late Tuesday the victim has died.
Victor Chafla, 43 – a father of seven – was stocking fruits and vegetables outside the bodega at 1250 Morrison Ave., in the Soundview section of the Bronx, when he was shot in the head late this past Thursday afternoon, police said.
He was taken to Jacobi Medical Center in critical condition following the shooting. Police said he died late Tuesday.
Police say he does not appear to be the intended target.
A wreath was placed at the spot where Chafla was shot.
Friends and coworkers say Chafla was a hardworking employee and his wife and all but one of his seven children are back in Ecuador.
"I was the last person to see him and trying to help him. I couldn't but I tried my best and we're going to miss him a lot," Cynthia Zamora told CBS2.
"Shocking, this is shocking. It's unbelievable. He barely stepped out," Alex Gallardo said.
"Hardworking guy, a really good employee, always on time doing all his work," Zamora said.
A suspect -- Lameek Oliver, 22 – has been arrested and charged with assault in the case – according to published reports.
A second suspect was still being sought Tuesday.