Bodega owners are meeting with the NYPD in the hope of creating a safer work environment.

Within the last 12 months, gang attacks have been occurring in Bronx bodegas, with one attack leading to the death of Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz last June.

Just two weeks ago, bodega owner Edward Lara risked his own life to save a teenager from an attack.

"Let's not sit and wait for this to happen again,” said Lara. “Let's create the changes that are necessary now."

Store owners say the attacks need to stop.  The Bodega Association is asking police for panic buttons to alert the nearest patrol cars, tasers to stop violent attacks and pistol permits on their premises.

They are also calling for rapid response video cameras, patrol cars to make rounds by their stores, lifesaving training if an attack does occur, and for the police to notify owners of gang-related activities in the neighborhood.

Bodega owners say they hope these steps will help to prevent attacks from continuing to occur in the borough.