A Robbery Attempt Turned Deadly in Astoria
Hector Figuereo, a 45-year-old Brooklyn resident, was shot outside Riviera Gentlemen’s Club in Astoria shortly before 3:40 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, according to ABC7 New York. He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital, where he later died.
Investigators believe Figuereo was approached by a suspect and shot during a struggle after resisting an attempted theft of his jewelry, ABC7 reported. The gunman reportedly left empty-handed. amNewYork’s report also said police believed the suspect did not take the man’s belongings and that no arrest had been made as of the report’s publication.
ABC7 reported that police were searching for the suspect. The outlet described a white Mercedes-Benz SUV and a green Nike Tech sweatsuit in its account of the suspect’s reported movements. These details are included only as reported by police and media; the investigation is ongoing.
If Someone Tries to Take Your Jewelry, Let It Go
There is no chain, watch, ring, or pair of earrings worth risking your life over. Jewelry can be replaced. You cannot.
If someone confronts you and demands your jewelry, focus on getting through the encounter safely. Do not fight over the property or chase someone who takes it. Once you are safe, call 911 and share what you remember with authorities.
This message is not a criticism of Figuereo or an assumption about what he should have done. People may react instinctively when they are frightened or threatened. We are sharing the lesson for anyone who might face a similar situation: your safety comes first.
At Drip With Diggs, we celebrate jewelry as art, culture, identity, and craftsmanship. We also know it is still property. The person wearing it matters more than the piece.
If you are being robbed, give up the jewelry. Your life is worth more.
