The owner of a Queens pawn shop was struck in the head with a small rod in an attack so gruesome, police said they initially believed the victim had been shot.
The violent incident occurred just before 1 p.m. Monday, as the alleged attacker walked into the Global Pawn Shop on Jamaica Avenue, a well-known business in the neighborhood.
The 60-year-old man was identified as neighbors as the owner of the Jamaica shop, and another nearby business owner was the first to find the victim after the attacker fled.
"He was lying there in blood ...(I) rushed there, saw him there and then tried to get something to stop the bleeding," said the other owner, who did not wish to be identified.
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The suspect, nearly beaten to death, was taken to Jamaica Medical Center, where he was said to be in critical condition. Due to the severity of his injuries, it wasn't until the victim reached the hospital that police realized he had been beaten, and not shot in the head as previously thought.
Man neighbors and customers stopped by the business to share their shock and grief.
"I'm very hurt because he always looked out for me. I don't know about everybody else, but me personally. I just want to give my prayers to him," said Hasan Campbell.
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The suspect is still on the loose, and police haven't made any arrests in the case. Police said that the attacker was wearing a black jacket, black sneakers and a camouflage baseball hat. It was not immediately clear what kind of rod was used in the attack.
An investigation is ongoing.
