Suspect In East Harlem Deli Stabbing Sought By Police

EAST HARLEM, NY — Police asked the public for help identifying the man accused of fatally stabbing an employee in an East Harlem deli earlier this week.

Authorities shared surveillance images of the assailant, described as a light-skinned, heavy-set man in his 30s, last seen wearing a black hooded jacket, black pants and black boots.

The man is wanted in connection with Tuesday's stabbing of 34-year-old Ahmed Almulaiki, an employee at the deli on Second Avenue near East 102nd Street.

Almulaiki was stabbed by the customer outside the deli at around 11:37 p.m. Tuesday, reportedly after refusing to allow the man to buy a 75-cent loose cigarette on credit.

Today our community mourns the death of our community member Ahmed Almulaiki.

We want to thank Brooklyn BP Eric Adams, AM Rodriguez, Manhattan BP Gale A. Brewer, CM Ayala, the NYPD 23rd Precinct and UBA for their support for the family and our community. #YAMAadvocate pic.twitter.com/k8GKkXV322
— YAMA Action (@YAMAMerchants) October 20, 2021

The attack was met with condemnation in the neighborhood, and mayoral candidates Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa both spoke outside the deli hours after the stabbing.

A coalition of community groups have joined to offer a $5,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest, NY1 reported.

Police asked anyone with information to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). People can also submit tips online or on Twitter, @NYPDTips.

Previous coverage: East Harlem Deli Worker Stabbed To Death By Customer: Police