Insets, from left: Kavan Vishnubhai Patel and Hunter Russey (West Melbourne Police). Background: The Corner Store in West Melbourne, Florida (WKMG).
A Florida convenience store owner allegedly used his vehicle to hit a 14-year-old boy riding an e-bike, then left him by the roadside after believing the teenager had attempted to break into his business, authorities said.
Kavan Vishnubhai Patel, 32, now faces a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Hunter Russey, according to the West Melbourne Police Department.
Officers were called to the Corner Store on Wickham Road in West Melbourne at about 4:30 a.m. Wednesday after an alarm indicated a possible burglary in progress, police said in a press release. Patel told police that his security company had notified him of a break-in and that surveillance footage showed the store’s front glass door had been shattered.
Patel said he drove to the store and saw a person fleeing on an e-bike. He claimed he followed the rider but eventually lost sight of him.
Investigators later determined that account was not accurate, police said.
Not far from the store, officers found Russey lying in the roadway. He matched the description Patel had provided of the suspected burglar and had apparently been struck by a vehicle.
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Investigators said nearby video recorded the sound of a vehicle hitting the boy, followed by impacts involving a mailbox and trash cans. Police also observed damage to the front end of Patel’s vehicle at the store.
When confronted with the evidence, Patel allegedly changed his story and admitted what had happened.
According to police, Patel acknowledged following Russey and hitting him with his car. He reportedly told officers that he understood he should have called police instead of striking the teenager, but said he was “angry,” investigators wrote.
Russey sustained severe injuries, including several skull fractures. His family removed him from life support, and he died late Saturday, West Melbourne police announced Sunday.
Patel initially faced charges of aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a crash involving great bodily harm. He posted bond on those accusations, but was arrested again Sunday and charged with second-degree murder after Russey’s death.
“The men and women of the West Melbourne Police Department offer our sincere condolences to Hunter’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time,” the agency said. “We ask our community to keep them in your thoughts as well. We will continue working on this case and provide prosecutors with the evidence they need to prosecute Patel.”
The post Florida store owner accused of hitting 14-year-old e-bike rider with car and leaving him roadside after suspected burglary first appeared on Law & Crime.
