Gujarati woman shot dead in US while confronting robber at her store

Gun shot

A woman, originally from Gujarat, was shot and killed during a robbery at her convenience store in Union County late Tuesday night. The victim, Kiran Patel, 49, owned and operated DD's Food Mart, located on South Pinckney Street.

According to the report, police received an emergency call around 10.30 pm on Tuesday reporting gunshots outside the store. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Patel lying in the parking lot, unresponsive and suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel later confirmed that she had died.

Investigators said that surveillance footage from the store clearly showed the sequence of events. As per the video, a masked man entered the store carrying a firearm and demanded money from Patel, who was alone at the time.

When Patel resisted by throwing an object at him, the robber fired a shot inside the store. He then climbed onto the cash register counter and continued shooting multiple times.

Patel tried to escape by running toward the parking lot, but the gunman followed her and continued firing. She fell just 20 feet from the entrance after being struck by bullets. Officers also recovered shell casings and found the store's front window shattered.

The Union County coroner’s office confirmed Patel’s identity and stated that her injuries were fatal. This tragedy comes at a time when the US is witnessing renewed debate over gun control laws. South Carolina, like several other states, permits relatively easy access to firearms, and violent incidents targeting small businesses have become increasingly common.

Community members remembered Patel as a hardworking and dedicated immigrant who had run the store for many years and was well-known in the area.

In response to the shooting, the Union Public Safety Department has launched a manhunt for the suspect, who fled the scene. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and have asked the public to come forward with any information that could help identify and capture the gunman.