• Source:JND
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A tragic shooting incident in Robinson Township, near Pittsburgh, has claimed the life of 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager Rakesh Ehagaban, who was killed after stepping outside to check on a disturbance in the motel’s parking lot. Authorities said the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Stanley Eugene West, shot Ehagaban point-blank in the head after he asked the gunman, “Are you alright, bud?” 

The incident unfolded  when West allegedly shot his female companion in the neck during an argument in the parking lot of the motel where he was staying. According to investigators, the woman was inside her black sedan with a child when West approached and opened fire. Despite being critically injured, she managed to drive to a nearby auto service centre, where police were called. The child was unharmed.

Motel Manager Confronted Gunman

Surveillance footage reviewed by police showed West walking towards him. As he got within a few feet, West raised his weapon and fired a fatal shot to the head, authorities said. Ehagaban died instantly at the scene.

After the shooting, West was seen walking casually to a U-Haul van parked nearby before fleeing the area.

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Police Officer Shot During Manhunt

Police quickly launched a manhunt and tracked West to the East Hills neighbourhood of Pittsburgh. As officers closed in, West opened fire, striking a Pittsburgh detective in the leg. Law enforcement officers returned fire, hitting West several times before apprehending him. Both the West and the injured officer were transported to local hospitals. The officer is expected to recover. 

Allegheny County Superintendent Christopher Kearns called Ehagaban's death a senseless act of violence, saying the victim had ventured outside to investigate only. "He was met with unprovoked gunfire," Kearns added.

West now faces several charges, including criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and recklessly endangering another person. Investigators added that the suspect had ties to both the Robinson Township motel and an apartment on Pittsburgh's North Side.

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Officials are scrutinising surveillance tapes at the motel and its surrounding areas in an attempt to reconstruct West's activities prior to and following the shootings. Up to this point, police have not determined a clear motive for the attacks.