Indian-origin man in US dies after being punched in the face

New York: A 59-year-old Indian-American man died after he was punched in the face during an argument at a motel parking lot in the US state of Oklahoma last week, NDTV reported.  

Hemant Shantilal Mistry, a motel manager originally from Gujarat, was attacked by 41-year-old Richard Lewis late Saturday night on June 22, near Interstate 40 and Meridian Avenue, police said.

Mistry confronted Lewis asking him to leave the property which escalated quickly with Lewis punching Mistry in the face.

The footage of assault which has gone viral showed Mistry wearing white t-shirt engaged in a heated argument with Lewis who was in sky blue t-shirt.

As the argument escalated, Lewsis landed a punch on Mistry's face leaving the 59-year-old collapsed to the ground with Lewis walking away.

The police found Mistry lying unconscious and was taken to a nearby hospital where he died the following day.

The suspect, Richard Lewis, was taken into custody at a hotel in the 1900 block of S. Meridian Avenue.

Held at the Oklahoma County Jail on a $100,000 bond, he is currently facing charges of aggravated assault and battery.

Police are looking for more details of the incident including the reasons behind Lewis's refusal to vacate the premises.

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