You are reading

Man burglarized several Queens bodegas by cutting holes in walls: DA

Dec. 28, 2016 Staff Report

A Staten Island man who allegedly broke into several Queens-based bodegas and stole $40,000 in cash, lottery tickets and cigarettes was indicted yesterday on charges of burglary and grand larceny, according to the Queens District Attorney.

Hector Rodriguez, 38, broke into six bodegas and grocery stores, gaining access by cutting holes in a roof or a wall, according to the indictment. He allegedly broke into establishments in Queens Village, Woodside, Jackson Heights, North Corona and Jamaica between October 8, 2015, and September 15, 2016.

According to the charges, Rodriguez was allegedly observed on video surveillance in each of the break-ins wearing a hoodie sweatshirt and sneakers and carrying both a crowbar and flashlight.

“The defendant is accused of brazenly burglarizing various businesses by literally breaking into the buildings – creating holes in rooftops and/or walls to get inside,” said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown in a statement. “The commercial locations – grocery stores and bodegas in various Queens neighborhoods – allegedly had more than $40,000 in cash and merchandise stolen. The defendant is now facing prison time for these alleged acts.”

Rodriguez has been charged with five counts of third-degree burglary, one count of petit larceny, four counts of third-degree grand larceny, four counts of third-degree criminal mischief and one count of third-degree attempted burglary.

He faces up to seven years in prison.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

One Comment

Click for Comments 

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Finding Room to Grow: NYC Apartment Buildings Designed with Families in Mind

Jul. 29, 2025 By Tara Lustberg

Finding family-friendly housing in NYC can be a challenge, especially with the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment in NYC averaging over $5,400 per month, according to apartments.com. According to reports, this is significantly higher (148%) than the national average and has increased by 7% since December 2023. But some properties offer thoughtful amenities for families, making city living seem more manageable.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.