OKLAHOMA CITY (Diya TV) —
A 59-year old Indian American hotel manager was killed in Oklahoma after he was punched by a stranger in the hotel parking lot.
On Saturday, June 22th, Hemant Mistry from Gujarat was punched by a 41-year old man named Richard Lewis, after Mistry asked him to leave the property. Police say the reason Lewis was asked to leave remains unclear.
Mistry lost consciousness after being struck by the punch to the face, and later died after being brought to a hospital.
Police found and arrested Lewis after he fled to another hotel. On June 24, he was held on a $100,000 bond at the Oklahoma County jail on an aggravated assault and battery complaint.
Mistry was an active member of Asian American Hotel Owners Association, which is now creating a webinar to assist hoteliers in managing similar dangerous situations.
“Our hearts are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our beloved members,” said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. “Incidents like these are profoundly distressing for all involved. Our prayers are with Hemant’s family and loved ones during this incredibly challenging period. AAHOA is committed to honoring Hemant’s life by raising awareness to prevent future violence.
