Rakesh Ehagaban: Indian-Origin Motel Owner Killed in the US

Rakesh Ehagaban: A tragic incident unfolded on Friday afternoon when a 51-year-old Indian-origin motel owner was killed in Pittsburgh after stepping outside to check on a disturbance in the parking lot of his business.

The victim, identified as Rakesh Ehagaban, owned the Pittsburgh Motel in Robinson Township. According to police reports, Ehagaban walked out after hearing gunfire and asked a guest, “Are you alright, bud?” Moments later, the guest, identified as Stanley Eugene West, 37, raised his firearm and shot Ehagaban in the head at point-blank range. Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence of events, with Ehagaban collapsing instantly on the sidewalk.

Early police statements had misspelled the victim’s name, but authorities later corrected the error. West now faces charges of criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and recklessly endangering another person.

Rakesh Ehagaban: Woman Shot Before Motel Owner Confronted Gunman

Investigators revealed that the violence began when West targeted his female companion in the motel’s parking lot. Court papers show that Robinson police were first alerted at 1 pm, when the woman—shot in the neck—drove to a nearby auto service center for help.

Inside her car was a young child, miraculously unharmed despite the gunfire. Witnesses told local media that West, the woman, and the child had been staying at the Pittsburgh Motel for nearly two weeks.

Police said that as the woman attempted to leave the premises in her black sedan, West opened fire, shattering her driver-side window. That gunfire drew Ehagaban outside, where he confronted West, unknowingly walking into a deadly encounter.

After the fatal shot, West reportedly walked calmly to a U-Haul truck parked nearby and drove off. A 9mm Blazer Luger pistol was recovered from the crime scene beside Ehagaban’s body.

Gun Battle in East Hills After Police Track Suspect

Authorities tracked West’s U-Haul using automated license plate readers. Just hours later, Pittsburgh detectives located the vehicle on Wilner Drive in the East Hills neighborhood.

Superintendent Christopher Kearns of Allegheny County Police confirmed that when officers approached, West got out and opened fire on police. Detectives returned fire, leading to a gun battle in the residential area.

Both West and a Pittsburgh police detective were shot during the exchange. West was rushed to hospital in critical condition, while the detective, though injured, is expected to make a full recovery.

Meanwhile, the woman West shot earlier also remains in critical condition at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

Rakesh Ehagaban: Community Reacts to Shocking Loss

The sudden killing of Ehagaban has left the local community devastated. Known as a hardworking small business owner, he was respected by motel staff, guests, and neighbors. His death highlights the growing concerns over gun violence in Allegheny County.

Acting Pittsburgh Police Chief Martin Devine praised the efforts of law enforcement, saying:

“The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is grateful to the incredible care provided by doctors and nurses at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and to all of our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”

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