PITTSBURGH — An Indian-origin motel manager was shot dead at point-blank range outside his workplace in Pennsylvania after stepping in to check on a disturbance, U.S. authorities said.
The victim, 51-year-old Rakesh Ehagaban, managed the Pittsburgh Motel in Robinson Township. According to a criminal complaint cited by local media, Ehagaban stepped outside on Friday after hearing a commotion. Surveillance footage showed him asking the suspect, “Are you alright, bud?” before the gunman walked toward him, raised his firearm, and shot him in the head from just a few feet away. He died on the spot.
Police identified the shooter as 37-year-old Stanley Eugene West, who also shot a woman outside the motel and later exchanged gunfire with officers after fleeing the scene in a van. West was injured in the shootout and hospitalized in critical condition. He faces multiple charges including criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and reckless endangerment.
Authorities said the woman, who had been staying at the motel with a child for two weeks, was struck in the neck while trying to drive away. The child was unharmed. A Pittsburgh police detective was also injured during the gunfire exchange with West.
After shooting Ehagaban, West “nonchalantly” walked to the van and drove off, according to the complaint. He was later located using licence plate readers. Both West and a detective were shot in the ensuing gunfight.
The woman remains in critical condition. Police continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.