Exclusive video shows workers fighting off thieves during deli robbery

THROGGS NECK, The Bronx (WABC) -- A violent robbery could have ended worse for two bodega workers, before the tables certainly turned.

At around 3:30 a.m. on September 5th, police say five men entered Green Apple Deli on East Tremont Avenue.

The dramatic footage from that night, exclusively obtained by Eyewitness News, shows the moment when one of the suspects snuck behind the counter and put the worker in a sleeper chokehold. That clerk, fearing for his life, tries to fight back while another suspect empties the register.

"The only thing on his mind was to protect - like how to get released from his hand from his neck and defend himself," said the worker to through a translator.

And defend himself he did. Wiggling free, he fights off his assailant.

At that point, the suspect then tries to run away with his accomplices, but they leave one person behind.

That person is then seen being taken down by the clerks, who pin him down until police arrive.

Speaking exclusively to Eyewitness News, the owner of the deli championed the efforts of the employees.

"Of course, we're going to defend ourselves especially if you go behind there," he said.

Police say the suspect who applied the chokehold has been arrested. Another suspect has since turned himself in.