Queens Pizzeria Owner Stops Armed Suspect, Saving Customers

Louie Suljovic tackled a man with a box cutter who threatened his staff and patrons at Louie's Pizza in Elmhurst.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:18pm

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A Queens pizzeria owner is being hailed as a hero after he stopped a man armed with a box cutter from threatening customers during the dinner rush on Wednesday evening. Louie Suljovic, the owner of Louie's Pizza in Elmhurst, jumped on the suspect, Jose Guadfebles, 34, after he allegedly threatened a 41-year-old worker with the box cutter. The suspect then ran into the storefront glass door, shattering it, while Suljovic was trying to subdue him.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks small business owners face in protecting their customers and staff from violent incidents. Suljovic's quick thinking and bravery likely prevented a more serious situation, underscoring the important role local business leaders play in keeping their communities safe.

The details

According to police, Guadfebles stormed into Louie's Pizza on Baxter Avenue around 9:10 p.m. and began cursing at customers, demanding food. After Suljovic gave him a slice of pizza, the suspect left but then returned even more hostile. Guadfebles allegedly threatened a 41-year-old worker with a box cutter, prompting Suljovic to jump on the man. The suspect then ran into the storefront glass door, shattering it, while Suljovic tried to subdue him.

  • The incident occurred around 9:10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
  • Guadfebles was arraigned and released without bail after his arrest.

The players

Louie Suljovic

The owner of Louie's Pizza in Elmhurst, Queens, who jumped on an armed suspect to protect his customers.

Jose Guadfebles

A 34-year-old Queens resident who allegedly threatened Louie's Pizza customers and staff with a box cutter.

NYPD

The New York Police Department that responded to the incident and arrested Guadfebles.

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What they’re saying

“I had a couple of customers in the front. The older woman says to me, 'He has a knife.' He's like cursing us out, telling us give me food, give me this. I gave him a slice of pizza.”

— Louie Suljovic, Owner, Louie's Pizza

“'I'll kill you,'”

— Jose Guadfebles

“He's a very good man. It's not the first time. He's a hero to the community. Put it like that.”

— Frequent Customer

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Jose Guadfebles to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks small business owners face in protecting their customers and staff from violent incidents. Louie Suljovic's quick thinking and bravery likely prevented a more serious situation, highlighting the important role local leaders play in keeping their communities safe.