HYDERABAD: A 23-year-old man has been arrested by Fort Worth police in Dallas, Texas, for allegedly shooting dead a youth from Hyderabad at a gas station on October 3.
The victim, Pole Chandrasekhar (28), hailed from Teacher’s Colony in BN Reddy Nagar, LB Nagar. He was working at the Fort Worth Express gas station on Eastchase Parkway near the Interstate 30 eastbound ramp when the accused, Richard Damion Florez, opened fire on him. Gas station staff immediately alerted 911, but Chandrasekhar was found dead when police arrived.
Chandrasekhar had moved to the US to pursue his Master’s degree in Data Analytics from the University of Texas. Having recently completed his studies, he was working at the gas station to support himself while searching for a full-time job.
At around 8:45 pm on October 3, Florez fled the scene in his car. Within a mile, he allegedly fired at another vehicle, though no one was injured. Shortly after, he crashed his car through a metal gate of a residence on Meadowbrook Drive and reportedly tried to enter the house. Police arrived after being alerted by the homeowner and arrested Florez, who was later taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
A firearm was recovered from the suspect. According to police records, Florez has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently lodged in jail.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the shooting, the subsequent attack on another vehicle, and the crash into the residence. Police records indicate that Florez was formally booked for murder at 5:30 am on October 4.
