In a tragic incident in North Carolina, 36-year-old Mainank Patel, an Indian-origin man and the owner of Tobacco House convenience store, was shot and killed during a robbery on Tuesday morning. Authorities have confirmed that a juvenile male is in custody in connection with the crime.
According to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were initially dispatched to the Tobacco House at 2580 Airport Road following a 911 hang-up call.While en route, they received reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Patel suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center and later transported to Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Juvenile arrested
The sheriff’s office has identified a juvenile male as the suspect, though his identity has not been disclosed due to his age. He was arrested on Tuesday evening. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but preliminary information suggests it may have been a robbery. No additional injuries were reported.
Community in mourning
Patel, affectionately known as “Mike,” is remembered fondly by the community. He leaves behind his seven-and-a-half-month pregnant wife, Ami, and their 5-year-old daughter. The outpouring of grief from customers and locals reflects the deep impact Patel had on those around him.
“It hit everybody because this was a family, this was a community family store,” said Ann Ellis, a customer. Javier Lopez, who has maintained the store’s grounds for years, expressed sorrow over Patel’s death, noting, “There are just no words to describe how great a guy Mike was.”
Patricia Howard, another regular customer, highlighted Patel’s generosity and warmth. “He was a super good man, good to his customers, loved his family and would have helped anyone,” she said.
The security video from the store captured a suspect—a tall, slender white male—fleeing the scene in black shorts, a black hoodie, and a ski mask, reportedly carrying a black handgun. The community continues to mourn the loss of Patel, who was known for his kindness and commitment to his customers.
According to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were initially dispatched to the Tobacco House at 2580 Airport Road following a 911 hang-up call.While en route, they received reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Patel suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center and later transported to Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Juvenile arrested
The sheriff’s office has identified a juvenile male as the suspect, though his identity has not been disclosed due to his age. He was arrested on Tuesday evening. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but preliminary information suggests it may have been a robbery. No additional injuries were reported.
Community in mourning
Patel, affectionately known as “Mike,” is remembered fondly by the community. He leaves behind his seven-and-a-half-month pregnant wife, Ami, and their 5-year-old daughter. The outpouring of grief from customers and locals reflects the deep impact Patel had on those around him.
“It hit everybody because this was a family, this was a community family store,” said Ann Ellis, a customer. Javier Lopez, who has maintained the store’s grounds for years, expressed sorrow over Patel’s death, noting, “There are just no words to describe how great a guy Mike was.”
Patricia Howard, another regular customer, highlighted Patel’s generosity and warmth. “He was a super good man, good to his customers, loved his family and would have helped anyone,” she said.
The security video from the store captured a suspect—a tall, slender white male—fleeing the scene in black shorts, a black hoodie, and a ski mask, reportedly carrying a black handgun. The community continues to mourn the loss of Patel, who was known for his kindness and commitment to his customers.
