Police: Motel Manager Shot and Killed in Pittsburgh, Suspect Also Shot Woman and Officer
Updated: October 5, 2025 | Location: Robinson Township, PA
A tragic day in Pittsburgh as police say a violent crime spree ended in multiple shootings, including the death of a beloved motel manager in Robinson Township and injuries to a woman and a responding police officer. The suspect, identified as Stanley West, 38, is in critical condition and faces multiple felony charges.
What Happened at Pittsburgh Motel on Steubenville Pike?
At approximately 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Allegheny County police responded to a shooting at the Pittsburgh Motel, located at 4270 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Surveillance footage and eyewitness reports confirm that suspect Stanley West opened fire during a domestic altercation in the parking lot of the motel.
Moments later, motel manager Rakesh Ehagaban, 50, stepped out to assess the situation and was shot in the head at close range. He died at the scene — a devastating loss to his colleagues and the local community.
Suspect Confrontation in East Hills
After fleeing the motel, West drove a U-Haul to Pittsburgh’s East Hills neighborhood. At around 2:30 p.m., police located the vehicle on Wilner Drive. As detectives approached, the suspect opened fire. One officer was hit in the leg but is now recovering at home. Officers returned fire, critically wounding the suspect.
Charges Filed
- Homicide
- Attempted homicide
- Recklessly endangering another person
West remains hospitalized and is under police custody. The Pennsylvania State Police are now overseeing the investigation due to the officer-involved shooting.
⚠️ A Call to Action for Hoteliers
This tragic incident is more than a headline — it’s a wake-up call. As hoteliers, we face real risks daily. Our guests’ safety is critical, but so is ours. No manager should lose their life trying to protect their business. One life is priceless.
Hospitality Industry — Stay United
The hotel industry is more than business; we’re a community. Let’s stand together in memory of Rakesh and every hotel worker who’s ever faced danger alone. Don’t wait for tragedy to strike. If you haven’t already, implement stricter safety procedures, collaborate with other hoteliers, and join industry networks that alert you to known offenders.
Suggested Safety Steps:
- Use Guest Ban to flag and track problematic guests.
- Participate in the National Hotel Watchlist Network.
- Train staff on emergency response and de-escalation.
- Install discreet panic buttons in your lobby and office areas.
- Always trust your instincts — report suspicious activity immediately.
Trending on Social Media
Use hashtags to amplify awareness and demand better safety tools for independent and franchise hotels alike:
- #HotelSafetyFirst
- #JusticeForRakesh
- #GuestBanNow
- #HospitalityWatch
- #HoteliersUnite
Sources: WTAE, WPXI, CBS Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Police