Queens pizzeria owner, dad stabbed repeatedly while saving a woman from being robbed
In a shocking incident, a heroic pizza business owner and his father acted quickly when they saw a woman being robbed outside the eatery in Queens. On Saturday, March 26, 38-year-old military veteran, Louie Suljovic, was working behind the counter at his Elmhurst pizzeria and restaurant, with his father Cazim Suljovic, when they witnessed an elderly Asian woman being robbed by two men. Louie and his 68-year-old father went in to rescue the elderly woman without any hesitation.
According to the criminal complaint, both the father and son had their lungs punctured while rescuing the woman from the attackers. The father had been stabbed nine times. The event also resulted in a rib injury for Louie. Meanwhile, the woman was also stabbed by one of the assailants. Cazim’s cousin, Remzija told New York Post, “Cazim is in a serious situation … Louie is improving, he’s hanging in there and I believe he’s going to be okay. They are heroes. They jumped in to save a stranger.” Officers of 110 Precinct tweeted from their official Twitter handle, “he and his father are among the very best New York has to offer. We thank them for their bravery and wish them a speedy recovery.”
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Two of the attackers Robert Whack, 30, and Supreme Gooding, 18, were arrested by police. According to Queens Criminal Court on Tuesday, March 29, they were charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, and first-degree robbery, among others. The attackers also had 39 glassine packets of heroin, according to the officers.
According to investigators, both father and son kept their shop open during the Covid 19 pandemic. Elmhurst Hospital personnel and first responders received lunches from the workers there. Suljovic and his father were sent to the same hospital for medical care they helped support ‘during the worst days of the Covid pandemic.’
#Elmhurst heroes:
— NYPD 110th Precinct (@NYPD110Pct) March 28, 2022
Local Military veteran and pizzeria owner Louie was working behind the counter at Louie’s pizza when he and his father witnessed an elderly woman being robbed outside. Without hesitation, they jumped into action to help and were stabbed in the process. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/CB42vjTsVH
Thanks to the quick response of third platoon patrol, PO O’Donnel and Lt. Korpolinski apprehended two perpetrators while other responding officers provided immediate medical attention. Louie and his father are now recovering thanks to the staff at @NYCHealthSystem Elmhurst(2/3)
— NYPD 110th Precinct (@NYPD110Pct) March 28, 2022
During the pandemic, Louie remained open and donated meals to Elmhurst Hospital staff and first responders. He and his father are among the very best New York has to offer. We thank them for their bravery and wish them a speedy recovery. (3/3)
— NYPD 110th Precinct (@NYPD110Pct) March 28, 2022
A GoFundMe page was created to help with their medical expenses and to help pay the staff while the restaurant is closed. The page says, “many Jackson Heights/Elmhurst residents know and love Louie's Pizza on Baxter Ave. for the delicious food and friendly staff. Louie's stayed open throughout the pandemic, providing much-needed energy and sustenance to the heroic workers of nearby Elmhurst hospital, not to mention delivering countless meals to those of us sheltering at home. We knew the owners were heroes, but the bravery and heroism they showed last night were truly off the charts.”