18-04-2025
Danville Police continue to investigate gas station homicide
DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR) – At approximately 12:41 p.m. Thursday, Danville police responded to a shooting at the Airport Exxon gas station, where they found 47-year-old Pinakin Patel suffering from gunshot wounds.
The department eventually identified 21-year-old Jaelynn Lowen to be the suspect. He is charged with second degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. He is considered to be armed and dangerous.
With help from the community, police found Lowen's blue Honda Odyssey van on Halifax Road, which was identified as his vehicle with some assistance from some new technology.
Danville PD makes eighth arrest connected to thefts from vehicles
'Using that new license plate reader technology that we have, we were able to quickly push that out to the public,' Matt Bell, the public relations specialist for Danville police, said. 'That has aided in the investigation for sure, to be able to use that technology.'
According to police, Lowen and Patel interacted in the parking lot over an alleged theft, resulting in the shooting. Patel, who was associated with the store, was transported to the SOVAH Danville hospital, and later pronounced dead.
Police encourage anyone with information on Lowen's whereabouts to contact the department by phone, email or through social media. Contact information can be found on the city's website.
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