NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Voorhees, N.J., April 13, 2026: Nearly two years after a road rage shooting changed his life forever, Kishan Patel has returned home to his family in Voorhees, New Jersey, marking a new and difficult chapter in a case that has drawn national attention.
Patel, now in his early 30s, suffered catastrophic injuries in May 2024 when he was shot during a confrontation with an off-duty New York police officer on Route 73. The bullet struck him behind the ear, leading to severe brain damage, cardiac arrest, and permanent paralysis.
After months of hospitalization and rehabilitation, including treatment at a specialized facility in Texas, Patel has been brought back to New Jersey. His family has spent more than $1 million to convert their home into a medical care space, where he now receives round-the-clock nursing and therapy.
Family members say Patel has shown small but meaningful signs of improvement. He is breathing on his own and no longer relies on a ventilator, but remains unable to move and requires constant care.
The shooting stemmed from what authorities described as a road rage incident involving Hieu Tran, an off-duty officer with the New York Police Department. Investigators said Tran, who had been attending a wedding and had been drinking, used his service weapon during the encounter. The gunfire triggered a multi-vehicle crash involving several cars.
Authorities further alleged that Tran left the scene and drove back to New York, reporting to work the next day. He was arrested weeks later and charged with attempted murder.
In December 2025, Tran pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The Patel family has also filed a civil lawsuit against the City of New York and the police department, alleging that officials were aware of concerns related to Tran’s alcohol use and mental health but still allowed him to remain on duty and carry a firearm. The lawsuit argues that the shooting could have been prevented with proper oversight.
City officials have not commented publicly, citing ongoing litigation.
For the Patel family, the legal proceedings are only part of a larger struggle. Their daily life now revolves around caring for Kishan, whose condition requires constant attention and significant resources.
