Los Angeles:
An Indian-American owner of a sandwich store here has been shot dead during a robbery, after which the authorities announced a USD 20,000 reward for the arrest of the fugitive gunman who killed the 62-year-old.
Pravin Patel was shot in the chest after a robbery at the Quiznos sandwich shop in San Dimas on June 2, said Sgt Rebecca Rodriguez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
"The employee gave over the money and he followed the suspect outside of the location. A struggle ensued in front of the store and the suspect shot the victim," Rodriguez said.
The shooting occurred in a normally quiet strip mall in the eastern San Gabriel Valley suburb.
A woman who ran a business next door rushed to Patel's aid and called 911, KTLA News online reported.
"It's really heartbreaking," Kelly Strong said last week.
"It was totally senseless."
Mr Patel and his wife were the owners of the restaurant, a family spokesman confirmed yesterday, when a sketch of the shooter was released, the report said.
A notice posted on the shop's door called him "Peter" and described him as a "hard-working family man who brought people together."
"He was passionate about serving his food and exchanging family stories with his customers. Peter spent every day working side by side with the woman he loved most ? his wife, Maya (Mary) Patel," the posting, signed by the Patel family, read.
Mr Patel's niece said the shooting did not need to happen.
"Whoever did this took away a life that never should have been taken away this early, and should never have been taken away in this manner," said Risha Patel.
Detectives were struggling in their investigation because security cameras were not working at the time of the robbery and shooting, authorities said.
A USD 20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the gunman who shot and killed Mr Patel, said sherrif's officials.
The reward was offered by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors.
The gunman was described as a skinny white or Hispanic man, in his mid-20s and standing about six feet tall.