Motel manager Rakesh Ehagaban, 50, killed after confronting armed suspect who had just shot a woman outside motel
An Indian-origin motel manager in Pittsburgh, identified as Rakesh Ehagaban, 50, was shot dead at point-blank range after stepping outside to check on an argument that had broken out in the parking lot of a Robinson Township motel on Friday, reported hindustantimes.com.
Police said the accused, 37-year-old Stanley Eugene West, shot Ehagaban in the head after the victim asked him, “Are you alright, bud?” moments after West had shot a woman during an altercation outside the motel.
According to police reports, surveillance footage captured the shocking moment when West walked toward Ehagaban and fired at him from close range, killing him instantly. The accused has been charged with criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and recklessly endangering another person.
West was later injured in an encounter with police while attempting to flee. As officers tracked his vehicle, West allegedly opened fire, injuring a Pittsburgh detective in the leg. Police returned fire, striking West several times before taking him into custody.
“When Ehagaban stepped outside to check the situation after West shot a female companion, the suspect turned his gun on him and fired,” said Allegheny County Superintendent Christopher Kearns
The injured woman, who was reportedly staying with West at the motel, was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition, while a child present at the scene escaped unharmed.
Police revealed that West had been staying at the motel for nearly two weeks with the woman and child. Before the fatal shooting, West had fired at the woman’s car, shattering its window as she attempted to drive away.
After killing Ehagaban, the suspect was seen “nonchalantly walking to the U-Haul and driving away,” according to the police complaint.
In a statement, Martin Devine, Acting Chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, confirmed that the injured detective was recovering at home and thanked the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital staff and law enforcement partners for their support.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible care provided by medical teams and for the dedication of our officers who continue to keep Allegheny County safe,” Devine said.
