ROWAN COUNTY, NC — The death of 36-year-old Rowan County supermarket owner Mainak Patel has deeply saddened neighbors.

Cassidy Russ lives on the same street as Patel’s Tobacco House on Airport Road. Russ was shocked to learn that police officers had been called to a shooting just after 11 a.m. Tuesday and found Patel in his shop with multiple gunshot wounds.

“He helped anyone who needed help,” Russ said. “When I heard it was him, I just couldn’t believe it.”

Patel was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries. Rowan County Sheriff Travis Allen said a 16-year-old fired the gun while attempting to rob the Tobacco House. Authorities released a photo of the teen running out of the store with a gun.

“We know something bad happened in the store, something that may have caused him to panic and shoot,” Sheriff Allen said.

Sheriff Allen said the teen was on the run for nine hours and hid in the nearby woods, but was later found by investigators. Police are not releasing the suspect’s name because of his age.

“He has made very limited statements to us other than largely admitting what he did,” Sheriff Allen said.

The sheriff and neighbors said Patel was a pillar of the community. Patel leaves behind a wife and daughter, with a second child on the way.

Neighbors held a vigil outside the Tobacco House, saying they wanted to help the family in any way they could.