US police have arrested the man accused of killing Indian student Chandrashekar Pole in Dallas, Texas, last week. Officers said 23-year-old Richard Florez shot the 28-year-old student while he was working a part-time shift at a Fort Worth gas station on Eastchase Parkway.
After the attack, Florez reportedly fired at another vehicle nearby before crashing into a gate while trying to enter a residence. Police arrested him shortly after and found a firearm in his vehicle. Authorities confirmed Pole’s death at the scene. The investigation continues, and the motive behind the killing is still unclear.
The Indian Consulate in Houston is in touch with Pole’s family in Hyderabad to help repatriate his remains. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family and cover repatriation costs.
Pole had completed his BDS in Hyderabad before moving to the US two years ago for his MS. He finished his degree six months ago and was searching for a job while working part-time at the gas station to support himself.
The Indian-American community has expressed shock and fear after a series of violent incidents involving Indian students in the US, raising concerns over their safety while working late-hour jobs.
