Apprehended Bodega Gunman to Face Federal Charges

New York, NY – The U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NY/NJ RFTF), assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force (CRFTF) has arrested a suspect who is wanted in connection with the shooting of a 25-year-old bodega clerk during an armed robbery in Manhattan’s Lower East Side on August 2.

The suspect, Zabion Bryant, entered the bodega initially pretending to buy a bag of chips on credit.  When the store clerk was distracted, he moved behind the counter, gun drawn and demanded cash from the register. Surveillance footage captured Bryant brandishing the weapon and forcing open the register.

The United Bodegas of America offered a $5,000 reward for Bryant’s capture.  

The robbery fell under federal jurisdiction due to its impact on commerce and the discharge of a firearm during the crime.  Investigators developed information indicating Bryant had ties to Charlotte, North Carolina. The information was quickly shared with members of the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, allowing investigators to continue pursuing leads hundreds of miles from where the alleged crime occurred.  On Sept. 23, the CRFTF apprehended Bryant in North Carolina.  He will be extradited to the Southern District of New York to face federal charges.

“No matter how far a suspect runs, our commitment to safety in local communities remains absolute. Thanks to the swift coordination between our New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, this dangerous individual will now face justice in New York,” said U.S. Marshal Ricky J. Patel.

The NY/NJ RFTF began operations in April 2002 and was the first regional fugitive task force to become fully operational following the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000. The NY/NJ RFTF was the flagship that has allowed seven other regional fugitive task forces to be created across the country. With partnership agreements with over 90 federal, state, or local agencies and 13 fully operational offices, the NY/NJ RFTF has successfully apprehended over 95,000 fugitives since inception.