A military veteran and pizzeria owner and his father were stabbed while attempting to stop an armed robbery in Queens, New York, on Saturday.
The New York Police Department said two suspects were arrested after robbing and stabbing a 61-year-old Asian woman over the weekend. The robbers also stabbed veteran Louie Suljovic and his 68-year-old father who tried to stop the attack.
“Local Military veteran and pizzeria owner Louie was working behind the counter at Louie’s pizza when he and his father witnessed an elderly woman being robbed outside. Without hesitation, they jumped into action to help and were stabbed in the process,” NYPD 110th Precinct tweeted.
The woman, who has not been identified, was attacked by Robert Whack, 30, and Supreme Gooding, 18, outside Louie’s Pizza at Baxter Avenue and Judge Street.
When Suljovic and his father intervened, the suspects stabbed each of them multiple times before fleeing, NextShark reported.
“Thanks to the quick response of third platoon patrol, PO O’Donnel and Lt. Korpolinski apprehended two perpetrators while other responding officers provided immediate medical attention. Louie and his father are now recovering thanks to the staff at @NYCHealthSystem Elmhurst,” the NYPD continued.
“During the pandemic, Louie remained open and donated meals to Elmhurst Hospital staff and first responders,” Deputy Inspector Jonathan K. Cermeli added. “He and his father are among the very best New York has to offer. We thank them for their bravery and wish them a speedy recovery.”
Whack has been charged with robbery, assault, possession of a criminal weapon and possession of a controlled substance. Gooding was charged with robbery, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.
A fundraiser was launched to help Suljovic and his father pay for medical care and other expenses while the pizzeria is closed.
“Many Jackson Heights/Elmhurst residents know and love Louie’s Pizza on Baxter Ave. for the delicious food and friendly staff. Louie’s stayed open throughout the pandemic, providing much-needed energy and sustenance to the heroic workers of nearby Elmhurst hospital, not to mention delivering countless meals to those of us sheltering at home. We knew the owners were heroes, but the bravery and heroism they showed last night was truly off the charts,” the fundraiser states.
“Last night, a group of teenagers tried to rob an elderly Asian woman in front of Louie’s, and the owner, Louie Suljovic, and his father rushed outside and intervened. Horrifically, they were both stabbed multiple times before their attackers fled. Louie and his father are both recovering in nearby Elmhurst hospital, the very place they helped support during the worst days of the Covid pandemic,” it continues. “This fundraiser is to help with their medical expenses and to help pay the staff while the restaurant is closed.”
As of Wednesday, over $138,000 has been raised for the heroic pair.
