Security Guard Records Assault That Killed Metro Motel Manager

A video has surfaced of a punch that took the life of a local motel manager.

The victim died the day after being punched in the face. The accused suspect was arrested and booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center.  

The person who sent News 9 the video wanted to remain anonymous. They said the video was taken by a security guard who witnessed the argument between the victim and 41-year-old Richard Lewis.

The video was grainy and hard to hear what was being said, but it was clear the two men were at odds.

Police said the manager of the Motel 6 near Interstate 40 and Meridian Avenue, identified as 59-year-old Hemant Mistry was telling Lewis to leave the property last weekend.

According to court papers, Lewis became aggressive and threatened to knock the man out. Minutes into the argument Lewis squared up to Mistry and punched him in the face. Police said the blow knocked the motel manager unconscious. Mistry fell to the ground hitting his head.

Lewis could be seen grabbing his belongings and leaving, while a woman ran to the victim's side.

“The victim was taken to an area hospital,” said Sgt. Dillon Quirk, Oklahoma City Police Department. “Sadly, he died from injuries a day later.”

Posts on Facebook showed Mistry was a husband and father. One of his children posted about his admiration for his father's dedication to family and work.

As for Lewis, a witness identified him as the suspect in the video. Police said Lewis was arrested at another metro motel.

“He was booked into county on an assault complaint but we’ll see how the [Medical Examiner] rules this one,” said Quirk.

Prosecutors have not formally charged Lewis, but police said his charge could go from aggravated assault and battery which is a misdemeanor to second-degree murder.

Lewis has several convictions for domestic assault and battery. He is being held in jail.