West Melbourne, Florida — A Florida convenience store owner is facing a second-degree murder charge after police say he intentionally struck a 14-year-old boy riding an electric bicycle following a suspected store break-in. The teenager, identified as Hunter Russey, later died from his injuries after being hospitalized.

Authorities identified the store owner as 32-year-old Kavan Vishnubhai Patel. According to police and charging documents, Patel allegedly chased the teenager in his vehicle during the early morning hours of October 13, after receiving an alert about a possible burglary at his business.

The case took a tragic turn when Hunter’s family decided to withdraw life support following his hospitalization. Police have also shared that the teenager’s family chose to donate his organs to help others.

What Happened to 14-Year-Old Hunter Russey?

According to an arrest affidavit, Hunter was found unresponsive in a roadside ditch in West Melbourne with multiple skull fractures.

Investigators said the teenager had allegedly been struck by Patel’s vehicle several hours earlier. He was discovered at approximately 7 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The circumstances surrounding the collision became the focus of a police investigation after authorities examined the events leading up to the discovery.

Police said Patel had received an alert about a suspected break-in at his convenience store. When he arrived to investigate at around 4:30 a.m., someone allegedly fled the area on an electric bicycle.

It was not clear from the available information whether Hunter had actually been at the store or was responsible for the suspected burglary.

Police Say Store Owner Intentionally Struck the Teen

According to investigators, Patel admitted that he pursued the person riding the e-bike and intentionally struck him because he was angry about the suspected attempted break-in.

Charging documents obtained by WAFB reportedly describe Patel’s admission that he deliberately hit the bicyclist.

Lt. Graig Erenstoft, a spokesperson for the West Melbourne Police Department, told that Patel allegedly continued following the teenager rather than contacting law enforcement while the incident was unfolding.

Police also said security footage allegedly showed Patel’s vehicle striking the boy before crashing into a mailbox and trash cans.

The footage and statements attributed to Patel have become important parts of the investigation into how the collision occurred. According to the charging documents, Patel later returned to the area to look for Hunter but said he could not find him.

Police Say Patel Reported Burglary but Did Not Mention the Crash

Investigators said Patel eventually contacted police to report the suspected burglary at his convenience store.

However, according to authorities, he did not mention the collision or report that a teenager had been struck by his vehicle. Hunter was not found until several hours later, when he was discovered critically injured in the roadside ditch.

The delay between the alleged collision and the discovery of the teenager is a significant part of the case. Investigators have been examining Patel’s reported actions, statements and the available security footage to establish what happened during the early morning hours.

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Authorities have not confirmed whether Hunter was involved in the suspected break-in that prompted Patel’s response.

Hunter’s Family Makes Organ Donation Decision

Despite medical treatment, Hunter’s injuries proved fatal. West Melbourne police said his family made the decision to take him off life support over the weekend following the incident.

In an update shared by police, officials also announced that the family had chosen to donate his organs.

“Despite this tragic outcome, Hunter’s family has made the decision to donate his organs so that he can improve the life and wellbeing of others,” police said.

The decision means that, even amid the loss of their son, Hunter’s family hopes his legacy will help other people.

Police have not released further details about the teenager’s medical treatment or the full extent of his injuries beyond the information included in their public statements.

Store Owner Faces Second-Degree Murder Charge

Patel was initially charged with second-degree aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability and second-degree leaving the scene of a crash, according to court documents.

After Hunter died, police said the charges were upgraded to include second-degree murder.

The case remains a criminal matter, and the allegations against Patel must be addressed through the court process. The charges do not, by themselves, establish guilt.

Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the alleged collision, including the suspected burglary alert, the vehicle’s movements and what happened after the teenager was struck.

The case has raised serious questions about the dangers of pursuing suspected offenders without contacting law enforcement, particularly when a confrontation could put someone’s life at risk.

What are your thoughts on this case? Should people suspected of a burglary be pursued by business owners, or should the matter be left to law enforcement? Share your views in the comments below.