Vigil Held For Victim Of Fatal Quiznos Store Robbery
SAN DIMAS (CBSLA.com) — An emotional vigil was held Friday evening for the Quiznos store owner fatally shot during a robbery June 2.
Pravin (Peter) Patel was remembered as a hardworking family man with a huge heart. Mourners said he always put friends, family and the community first.
Customers have spent the better part of the past week telling reporters that he made them feel like family. He had owned the Quiznos on Arrow Highway for the past 11 years.
Police said that while being robbed, the 63-year-old Patel confronted the robber, and they got into a struggle. During the fight, the suspect shot Patel. The killer is still at large.
KCAL9's Jennifer Kastner spoke to grieving family and friends.
Hundreds gathered in the Quiznos parking lot Friday evening. Lots of flowers and messages of support are clearly visible in front of the store.
"This is an unexplainable loss a huge tragedy," said San Dimas Mayor Curt Morris.
A sketch of the suspected killer is posted in shop windows.
Patel's family is hoping someone recognizes the man and contacts authorities. A $20,000 reward is also being offered for information leading to an arrest.
"He's still out there, and our community needs to stick together and make sure that he's put where he belongs," said Patel's son, Nilesh.
"Because it happened last week, there's still a really big void, and we're just getting to understand that the loss is there," said Patel's niece Risha.
"If people didn't have enough money to pay for a sandwich, he says go ahead take the sandwich," said a customer.
The LA County Sheriff's Department is urging people to call if you have any information about the suspect.
A memorial fundraising page was created in Patel's honor. The fund is halfway through raising its $10,000 goal. For more information about the fund, click here.
