WASHINGTON — Anne Arundel County Police say an employee at the Dunkin Donuts on Arundel Mills Boulevard murdered his wife and co-worker Sunday night, and are asking for the public’s help in finding him.
Police say they are looking for Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, 24, of Hanover, Maryland, for the murder of his wife, Palak Bhadreskumar Patel, 21.
Both the husband and wife were working in the Dunkin Donuts Sunday evening. Police say an altercation led to the murder, although it is not clear what prompted the the disagreement.
Just before 11 p.m. Sunday, Anne Arundel County police responded to the Dunkin Donuts at 7657 Arundel Mills Blvd., after customers reported no employees were present.
Officers found Palak Patel lying, dead, in the kitchen area. Investigators say she had been struck multiple times with an object.
Police have a warrant charging him with the following crimes: first-degree murder; second-degree murder; first-degree assault; second-degree assault; and dangerous weapon with intent to injure.
Within the past year, a neighbor reported a loud noise complaint from the address where the Patels lived — it’s unclear whether the noise involved the couple.
The report was investigated and cleared, without charges being filed.
Investigators are asking anyone aware of Bhadreshkumar Patel’s whereabouts to contact police at 410-222-4743 or 410-222-4700, and say he should be considered dangerous.
Dunkin’ Brands released the following statement:
We are aware of the tragic incident that occurred at the Dunkin’ Donuts / Baskin-Robbins combination restaurant on Arundel Mills Boulevard in Hanover, Maryland. All of us at Dunkin’ Brands are saddened to learn of the death of crew member Palak Bhadreskumar Patel, and our thoughts go out to her family and friends. The franchise owner is cooperating fully with the local authorities in their investigation. As this is a pending police matter, it is inappropriate for us to comment further.
Overnight Homicide Inves.- Dunkin Donuts @ 7657 Arundel Mills Blvd, #Hanover. Targeted incident. Details to follow pic.twitter.com/7sb1CP6u2s
— Anne Arundel Police (@AACOPD) April 13, 2015
