Deputies arrest juvenile suspect in deadly Rowan County shooting

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Investigators shared a photo of a suspect wanted in connection with a shooting that happened earlier Tuesday. Hours later, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office announced deputies arrested a juvenile male connected to the case.

The shooting was at the Tobacco House on Airport Road near Miller Chapel Road. Channel 9 spotted a police scene at the Tobacco House convenience store near that intersection.

Investigators confirmed to Channel 9 that a 36-year-old man was shot multiple times and he was taken to the hospital. The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said the victim died from his injuries.

The victim was identified as Mainank Patel, who authorities said was the owner of the store.

The sheriff’s office couldn’t release the minor’s name because of his age.

On Wednesday, the sheriff’s office said an alleged robbery led up to the shooting.

A beloved shopkeeper

People stopped by the Tobacco House to bring flowers or buy their usual snack so they could pay their respects to Patel, who goes by “Mike.”

Many told Channel 9′s Hannah Goetz on Wednesday that there wasn’t a person Mike wouldn’t have helped in a difficult time.

“They were just so nice,” one customer said.

“He never said anything bad to anybody, never done anything wrong to anybody,” another said.

“[He was] always smiling, always nice. You know, he handled business ... he was never rude to customers,” said Greg Gardner.

Gardner contributed to the growing memorial on Wednesday.

“My wife and I ... it’s been on our mind since it happened, you know, and so I just thought it’d be a kind gesture,” Gardner told Goetz.

The sheriff’s office says they believe the 16-year-old suspect was trying to rob Patel. One neighbor saw the moment he was taken into custody by authorities.

“I walked out on my back deck and sure enough it was him getting arrested right there. They put him in handcuffs in the front, put him in the front of the pickup truck,” said Davey Jackson.

Customers said they’ll remember Mike showing them generosity in difficult times.

“I remember coming here one day, it was before pay day, and I came in and I got gas, and he knew I liked Pepsi, and so I had the money for my gas, and I paid for my gas, and he said, ‘Go get Pepsi,’” said Ann Ellis.

Patricia Howard shared a similar story.

“I come up here one day and didn’t have enough cash on me. And he gave me a loaf of bread to finish out with my cash. So that’s the kind of person Michael was,” said Howard.

Workers said you can bring donations to the store to help the family.

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