Man shot by police after pointing gun at Bronx deli customers

A 49-year-old man was shot by two New York City police officers on Monday afternoon after he pointed a gun at customers inside a deli in the Fordham section of the Bronx. The incident occurred at approximately 3:20 p.m. at Sammy Gourmet Deli, located at 2657 Bainbridge Avenue near East 194th Street. Soto, identified as Victor Soto, was listed in stable condition at a local hospital after being struck during an exchange of gunfire.

According to NYPD detectives, Soto had been arguing with several people inside the deli before he produced a firearm and aimed it at the group. Witnesses stated that customers ducked for cover during the confrontation. Surveillance cameras captured the events both inside and outside the establishment. Detectives said Soto had previously harassed patrons inside the shop before leaving the building with the weapon in hand.

Soto traveled northbound along the street and reportedly slammed the gun into a glass window of the deli. Two officers arrived at the scene and instructed him to drop the weapon. When he did not comply, he pointed the gun at the officers. An exchange of fire followed as Soto continued moving northbound in front of civilians. The responding officers were taken to the hospital for evaluation, though sources indicated no officer was struck during the incident.

Records show that Soto had eight prior arrests, several of which involved the criminal possession of a firearm. Body camera footage from the officers also recorded the sequence of events. A firearm was recovered at the scene, and police advised the public to expect road closures and delays in the area following the shooting.

The shooting took place just before 3:30 p.m. on Monday. The deli is situated in a busy commercial area, and the incident drew a large police presence. Detectives released the initial account at a news conference on Monday evening, providing the first official details on the suspect's actions and the officers' response.