USPS worker stabbed to death ordering sandwich at Harlem deli, woman arrested
NEW YORK — A United States Postal Service worker was fatally stabbed Thursday while ordering a sandwich at a deli in Harlem.
Police say officers were sent to the deli on Lenox Avenue between 118th and 119th streets just after 2:30 p.m. for a report of an assault. When they arrived on the scene, police say they found a man suffering from multiple stab wounds.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim has been identified as 36-year-old Ray Hodge, of the Bronx.
Police say Jaia Cruz, 24, has been arrested and charged with murder.
Dispute over who was in line to order ends in stabbing, deli worker says
A deli worker told CBS News New York that Hodge was ordering a sandwich when a woman at the counter got angry and began arguing with him over who was first in line to order. According to the deli worker, in that instant, the woman pulled out a knife and stabbed Hodge in the stomach.
USPS confirmed Hodge was a letter carrier assigned to Manhattan.
In a statement, a representative for USPS wrote, "The Postal Inspection Service takes matters involving the safety and wellbeing of postal service employees as a top priority. We are working diligently with the New York City Police Department on this investigation."
Police say a knife was recovered at the scene. They are working to figure out what exactly happened before the argument became heated.
The deli has since reopened.
Community shocked by deadly deli assault
Local activist Dr. Iesha Sekou, with Street Corner Resources, said she comforted the victim's mother at the hospital.
"A mother never, never expects to bury her child," Sekou said. "She's still in a little shock. She just said, I didn't believe that my son would be dead. And I don't think any mother is ready for this."
The violent attack was chilling for community.
"It's scary. The man is on his job, they come to my building every day, and just like that, he's gone," witness Uzo Guchisachi said.
"It's just so unfortunate this is happening in New York City. It's just, the safety issues here are a real problem," said Harlem resident Cecilia Chanu.
"People have low tolerance," one person said. "I feel safe because I'm vigilant, but anything can happen at any point in time."
