Business Owner Arrested for Allegedly Kidnapping and Assaulting Suspected Shoplifter

A shocking incident unfolded in Kentucky when a business owner was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and viciously beating a man suspected of stealing vape pens from his convenience store. Kaushalkumar Patel, 40, was taken into custody after he and several others orchestrated a violent plot on October 6, 2024, after spotting the customer leaving his E-Z Super Food Mart in Louisville without paying.

According to reports, the accused shoplifter tried to flee the store as Patel and others chased him down in a van and pepper sprayed him in the face. The situation escalated when the alleged thief crawled into a yard, only to be caught by Patel who maced him and forced him into the van.

The group then took the man to a garage near Patel’s business, where they allegedly subjected him to a brutal assault involving punches, kicks, and a wooden weapon. The victim was later dropped off at Lee Street, where his mother picked him up and took him to the hospital for treatment, including stitches for his injuries.

As a result of the incident, the suspected shoplifter suffered a concussion, bruising, and required medical attention. Patel was arraigned on charges of kidnapping, second-degree assault, and wanton endangerment, to which he pleaded not guilty. He is currently held at the Louisville Metro Detention Center on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on January 24.