A barbershop in Corona, Queens, became the scene of a tense and dangerous confrontation on Friday evening, Nov. 8, when a man fleeing armed gang members ran into the shop seeking safety. The quick and courageous actions of one of the barbers, Rafael Abreu, helped prevent what could have been a deadly incident.
The altercation began just before 5:45 p.m. when the man, chased by four gang members, entered Lagumas El Cache Barbershop on Roosevelt Avenue. Surveillance footage captured the moment the gang followed him inside, one of them pulling out a handgun. The gunman fired at the victim but missed, leaving a bullet lodged in the wall.
Amid the chaos, Abreu, a 47-year-old father of seven and an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, stepped in to confront the armed individuals. He wrestled with one of the gunmen, giving the victim a chance to escape unharmed. Abreu and his colleagues managed to chase the gang members out of the barbershop, who were last seen fleeing the area on 103rd Street.
Despite additional police presence in the area as part of the NYPD’s “Operation Restore Roosevelt,” incidents like this highlight ongoing safety challenges along the corridor. Community leaders and residents have expressed concern over persistent gang and cartel activity, which continues to threaten the neighborhood.
Calls have grown for more significant and permanent law enforcement measures to address these issues. Efforts to improve safety in the area remain a top priority for local coalitions, who believe incidents like the one at the barbershop underscore the urgency of their mission.
Abreu’s selfless bravery has drawn praise from across the community. His quick thinking not only prevented a potential tragedy but also demonstrated the importance of protecting one another in the face of danger. Police are continuing to investigate the incident, though no arrests have yet been made.
