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Indian-origin man held in US for assault
Patel has been charged with complicity in kidnapping, second-degree assault, and wanton endangerment—a charge that refers to reckless behavior creating a significant risk of injury or death.
Stock image. / Pexels
A 40-year-old Indian-origin man has been arrested in the United States for allegedly kidnapping and brutally assaulting a man suspected of shoplifting from his convenience store. Kaushalkumar Patel was taken into custody on Jan.16 in connection with an incident that occurred in October 2024, according to the New York Post.
The incident reportedly began when Patel and several others spotted the alleged shoplifter stealing a box of vape pens from Patel's E-Z Super Food Mart. The suspect fled on foot, prompting Patel and his associates to pursue him in a van. Police said the group pepper-sprayed the man in the face during the chase.
The alleged victim sought refuge in a nearby yard but was further assaulted. Authorities claim another individual "stomped on the victim's back" before Patel committed a particularly egregious act by allegedly “pulling up the victim's shorts and spraying his anus with pepper spray.” The victim was then forced into the van.
According to police reports, the group transported the man to a garage near Patel's store, where he was beaten with punches, kicks, and blows from a wooden object. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, sustained multiple injuries, including contusions, bruises, and a wound on his shin requiring stitches.
After the assault, the victim was driven to Lee Street and left there. He later contacted his mother, who came to pick him up.
Legal charges and upcoming hearing
Patel has been charged with complicity in kidnapping, second-degree assault, and wanton endangerment—a charge that refers to reckless behavior creating a significant risk of injury or death. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently detained at the Louisville Metro Detention Center. Patel's next court hearing is set for Jan.24.
The case highlights a concerning trend of violent responses by store owners and employees to suspected shoplifters. Last month, a convenience store owner in North Carolina was convicted of voluntary manslaughter after killing a man suspected of stealing a bottle of Gatorade. Similarly, a New Orleans store clerk fatally shot 16-year-old Cecil Batiz during an alleged armed robbery attempt.
As Patel's case unfolds, it underscores the critical need for addressing store security practices and balancing self-defense with legal accountability.
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