A West Melbourne business owner is accused of chasing a 14-year-old boy in his car after a reported burglary, hitting him and then driving away, according to police.

Kavan Patel, owner of The Corner Store at South Wickham and Sheridan roads, appeared before a judge at the county jail Wednesday afternoon, more than 24 hours after his arrest.

During the hearing, the judge called the allegations disturbing.

“The fact that the alleged victim is a juvenile, that’s something,” the judge said in court.

West Melbourne police said Patel originally reported a burglary early Tuesday morning at his business. Investigators said Patel told police he saw the boy break in the door, but did not initially tell officers that he followed the teen for about a half-mile before hitting him with his car.

Police said Patel then left the boy at the scene.

The 14-year-old was taken to a local hospital with severe injuries, including multiple skull fractures, according to police.

Nearby business employees said they were surprised by the allegations.

“There was a crime scene and a bunch of police there,” said Andrew Henbury, an operator at Space Coast Hydraulics.

Henbury said Patel did not seem like someone who would be involved in something violent.

“He’s very mild-mannered and seems like a really nice guy. He doesn’t seem like you could even anger him to tell you the truth,” Henbury said. “They’re actually really nice people.”

Patel’s attorney declined to comment after the hearing.Patel’s bond was set at $40,000. He is expected to be back in court Nov. 10.