Soundview — A cellphone store employee is speaking publicly after a violent robbery inside a neighborhood shop left him shaken and injured, with surveillance video capturing the terrifying encounter.
According to the worker, three masked suspects stormed into a Total Wireless store in Soundview during business hours, dragged him into a back room, and repeatedly assaulted him while threatening his life. The incident has renewed concerns about retail safety in parts of the Bronx, especially for small storefront employees working alone.
Violent robbery unfolds inside Soundview store
The worker, Arshad Khan, said the robbery escalated almost immediately after the suspects entered the store. He recalled being surrounded, threatened, and forced into a back room as the attackers demanded money and phones.
“They told me if you try to fight with me, we’ll kill you,” Khan said, describing the moment he realized his life was in danger.
Surveillance video shows Khan screaming for help as the suspects delivered multiple blows to his face before shoving him into a bathroom and blocking the door. Khan said the attackers locked him inside, took the key from his pocket, and emptied the store of cash and merchandise.
Victim says suspects stole phones and cash
Khan estimates the suspects escaped with several cellphones and approximately $800 in cash. After the suspects fled, he managed to break out of the bathroom and call for help.
Emergency medical responders treated Khan at the scene for his injuries. He did not require hospitalization, but said the emotional impact has been severe.
“I told the guy, I’ll help you,” Khan said. “They locked me in the bathroom, took the key from my pocket, and took cash and everything.”
Robbery occurred in broad daylight
Police say the robbery happened near Westchester and Taylor avenues around 11:30 a.m. on December 3, a time when many stores are busy with customers. Investigators confirmed that all three suspects fled the scene and remain at large.
The boldness of the daytime attack has alarmed nearby business owners, many of whom say they feel increasingly vulnerable behind the counter.
Similar Total Wireless robbery reported weeks earlier
The Soundview robbery was not an isolated incident. Just two weeks earlier, on November 13, another Total Wireless store in the Van Ness section of the Bronx was targeted in a similar fashion, according to police.
In that case, investigators say two men entered the store, stole cellphones and cash, and forced an employee into a bathroom before fleeing. No serious injuries were reported in the earlier robbery.
A worker from that location, who identified herself as Ety, said the experience left her deeply shaken even though she was not physically harmed.
“I locked the door most of the time,” Ety said. “I don’t know if they are good or bad, but I don’t take the risk anymore.”
Workers describe lasting fear and anxiety
Both employees say the robberies have changed how they feel at work. Khan said he now feels anxious, especially during slower hours when fewer people are around.
“Sometimes I feel nervous, especially in the evenings,” he said.
Retail workers and advocates note that cellphone stores are often targeted because they carry high-value inventory and are frequently staffed by a single employee, making them vulnerable to coordinated attacks.
Police investigation ongoing
Authorities have not released descriptions of the suspects beyond confirming that they wore masks during the Soundview robbery. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and asking anyone with information to come forward.
Police encourage business owners to review security procedures, including panic buttons, controlled entry systems, and visibility from the street, while community members are urged to report suspicious activity immediately.
Community concerns grow as suspects remain at large
The back-to-back robberies have sparked concern among residents and small business owners in the Bronx, many of whom worry about rising risks to frontline workers.
While police continue their investigation, both victims say they hope arrests are made soon—not just for justice, but to prevent others from experiencing the same trauma.
Anyone with information related to these incidents is urged to contact local authorities.
Share your experiences or concerns about retail safety in your neighborhood in the comments below.
