Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Store Owner in North Carolina

A 36-year-old Indian-origin man, Mainank Patel, was shot and killed after a teenage boy robbed his convenience store in North Carolina. The community is mourning his loss, with many remembering him as a generous man. A juvenile suspect is in custody, but further details are not yet released.

Mainank Patel, a 36-year-old Indian-origin store owner, was tragically shot and killed during a robbery at his Tobacco House store in North Carolina. The incident occurred Tuesday morning, and a juvenile suspect is now in custody, according to the Rowan County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded to a 911 hang-up call and, en route, were informed of a shooting at the store. Upon arrival, they discovered Patel with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center and later to Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Surveillance footage captured a tall, slender white male fleeing the scene, dressed in black attire and a ski mask, and holding a handgun. Authorities believe the motive was robbery. Patel's untimely death has left a community in mourning, with customers and workers alike paying tribute to his generosity and kind-hearted nature. Patel leaves behind his pregnant wife, Ami, and their 5-year-old daughter.

(With inputs from agencies.)