A customer-turned-robber returned minutes later with a gun and a mask bought inside.
Brooklyn, NY– A Crown Heights man who bought a black ski mask from a neighborhood bodega and returned minutes later to rob the same store at gunpoint has been sentenced to five years in prison, prosecutors said Monday. The incident unfolded in January 2024 and ended with a shot fired inside the shop as the worker fought back.
Michael Bellevue, 26, was sentenced by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam Perlmutter to five years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. He had been convicted of first-degree robbery on December 2, 2025, after a jury trial.
District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “This brazen defendant not only robbed a business that had just provided him a service, but he also put a hard-working employee in grave danger. We have zero tolerance for gun crimes in Brooklyn, where shootings and homicides continue to reach record lows, and will continue to vigorously prosecute those who use firearms and threaten our communities.”
Robbery unfolded minutes after purchase
According to trial testimony, Bellevue entered the bodega at 401 Schenectady Avenue on January 15, 2024, and purchased several items, including a black ski mask. The employee behind the counter recognized him as a regular customer.
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Roughly 20 minutes later, prosecutors said, Bellevue returned wearing the same mask and carrying a loaded black firearm. He pointed the weapon at the employee and demanded money, saying “give me the money or I’m going to kill you.”
The situation escalated when Bellevue aimed the gun at the worker’s head. Evidence presented at trial showed the employee grabbed the firearm, causing it to discharge. The worker avoided being struck by the bullet by diving out of the way.
Struggle inside store leads to gunshot
As the employee ducked, Bellevue reached over the counter, took cash from the open register, and fled the store, according to prosecutors. No injuries were reported from the gunfire.
Bellevue was arrested four days later on January 19, 2024, following an investigation. Authorities credited KCDA Detective Investigators for their work on the case, along with members of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Carly Muth and Senior Assistant District Attorney Amelia Digirolamo under the supervision of senior bureau officials.
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