Bodega where 'Junior' was attacked becomes first 'safe haven bodega' in the Bronx

BRONX, NEW YORK CITY (WPIX) -- The bodega where Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz was attacked and later died nearby becomes the first “safe haven bodega” in the Bronx more than six months after the teen's death.

The bodega, which has reopened under new ownership at East 183rd Street and Bathgate Avenue, was selected to be the first “safe haven bodega” after the 15-year-old's murder sparked an outcry to protect people from would-be attackers.

The United Bodegas of America and city bodega owners teamed up with NYPD at a safety summit in December, where dozens of employees learned how to prevent gang attacks, including training of how to handle violent situations and implementing panic buttons for emergencies.

The six-step NYPD safety program was implemented to prevent gang assaults and robberies.

The bodega where the Bronx teen was killed has struggled to stay in business since Junior's murder. A private security company has donated their time, technology and labor to convert the bodega into a safe space for the community.