Florida man accused of killing hotel clerk after being denied a lighter

A 55-year-old Palm Coast, Florida man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

The shooting occurred after an altercation in the parking lot of a a Best Western hotel in southwestern Kentucky, originating between Robert Pannell and a couple.

Pannell, who was staying at the hotel, allegedly demanded a lighter from the couple. When they couldn't provide one, he entered the hotel with a gun and began shooting indiscriminately.

During the reckless shooting, several bullets hit an employee who worked at the hotel.

Pannell has also been charged with assault, wanton endangerment, disorderly conduct, threats and resisting arrest, according to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office.

The employee, who was found on the first floor with multiple bullet wounds, died from the shots. No one else was injured as a result of the shooting.

Paducah police quickly apprehended Pannell in the hotel parking lot, and he is currently being held in the McCracken County Jail on a combined $2.5 million bond.