Florida Store Owner Accused of Intentionally Running Over 14-Year-Old Boy Suspected of Burglary

A 14-year-old boy in Florida has died after authorities say a convenience store owner deliberately struck him with a car following a suspected break-in. The case has taken a more serious turn, with the shop owner now facing a second-degree murder charge.

The teenager, identified as Hunter Russey, was found critically injured in a roadside ditch in West Melbourne on October 13, 2026. He had been riding an electric bicycle and suffered severe injuries, including multiple skull fractures.

According to police, 32-year-old Kavan Vishnubhai Patel, who owned the nearby Corner Store, received an alarm alert about a possible break-in early that morning. Investigators allege that Patel saw someone leaving the area on an e-bike and intentionally struck the rider with his vehicle because he suspected the teenager was involved in the incident.

Police say Patel initially did not tell responding officers that he had hit the boy. Investigators later confronted him with evidence, including surveillance footage, and determined that he had allegedly left the scene without reporting the collision.

Hunter was transported to a hospital, where he remained on life support. Despite medical treatment, he died on October 17. His family later chose to donate his organs, giving other people a chance at life during an unimaginable time of grief.

Following the teenager’s death, authorities arrested Patel again on October 18 and charged him with second-degree murder. He had initially faced charges related to aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury.

The investigation remains ongoing. The allegations against Patel have not been proven in court, and the case raises serious questions about the circumstances leading to the fatal encounter.

Source: PEOPLE