Incident Overview

In a shocking incident earlier this week, a 24-year-old bodega worker named Sidi Mohamed was stabbed in the neck during a dispute over the payment for candy. The altercation occurred on Wednesday morning at a bodega situated at East 116th Street and Third Avenue, just two days into Mohamed’s new job.

Details of the Attack

Mohamed reported that the conflict began when the alleged assailant, 43-year-old Ari Ortiz, failed to provide the correct amount of money for his purchase. According to Mohamed, Ortiz was acting erratically, appearing to be under the influence and exhibiting signs of emotional distress.

“He’s a crackhead,” Mohamed said, recalling the moment of the attack. “He just punched me.”

Aftermath of the Incident

Following the stabbing, which left Mohamed with significant injuries, he managed to call 911 himself before pursuing Ortiz outside the store. Innovative in his response, Mohamed fashioned a makeshift bandage from his jacket to control the bleeding.

“I took my jacket off, I put it like this,” he explained, demonstrating how he attempted to staunch his wound.

Arrest and Charges

Ari Ortiz was apprehended the following day, partly due to his familiarity with the local area. He faces serious charges, including attempted murder and assault, and is currently in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.

Resilience of Mohamed

Despite the traumatic experience, Sidi Mohamed has returned to work at the bodega, showcasing remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.