Daijiworld Media Network – Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Oct 6: A 51-year-old Indian-origin motel manager, Rakesh Ehagaban, was shot dead at point-blank range outside the Pittsburgh Motel in Robinson Township, United States, last week. The incident occurred on Friday when Ehagaban stepped outside to investigate a disturbance.

Police identified the suspect as 37-year-old Stanley Eugene West, who shot Ehagaban in the head after the manager approached him, reportedly asking, “Are you alright, bud?” Surveillance footage captured the deadly confrontation. Ehagaban died on the spot.

West also shot a female companion outside the motel. The woman, who had been staying at the motel with a child, was hit in the neck but the child remained unharmed. She was later found at an automobile service centre and admitted to hospital in critical condition.

Following the shootings, West fled the scene in a moving van but was later tracked to the East Hills of Pittsburgh. A gunfight ensued between West and police officers, resulting in West and a Pittsburgh detective sustaining injuries. Both were hospitalised, with West in critical condition.

West has been charged with criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and recklessly endangering another person. Police confirmed that the woman had been a guest at the motel for two weeks and that the violent episode unfolded as she attempted to drive away.

Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns stated, “The detectives returned fire,” during the exchange that led to the suspect’s injury. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.