A 62-year-old Indian-origin businessman from Gujarat was shot dead during an armed robbery at his store in Jackson, Tennessee, with his 19-year-old daughter reportedly witnessing the killing. Suresh Patel, who hailed from Gujarat’s Mehsana district, was killed at Ridgecrest Cellars Wine and Spirits at around 9 pm on Thursday, according to the Jackson Police Department. The incident took place just days after Patel had taken over the business as its new owner.
According to local reports, a masked gunman entered the store and allegedly pointed a firearm at employees before demanding cash. After receiving the money, the suspect opened fire, striking Patel. He died at the scene, police said.
Patel’s daughter was inside the store at the time of the shooting and reportedly stood nearby as her father was shot. The incident has added to concerns among the Indian-American community over violent attacks targeting business owners.
The suspect was captured on surveillance cameras and has been described by police as a Black man wearing a grey hoodie, jeans and black work-style boots. His face was reportedly concealed by a paintball-style mask.
Suspect fled
After the shooting, the suspect fled the store in a white sedan. Police have warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous and have launched a manhunt to locate him. Authorities have appealed to the public for information that could help identify the suspect.
Patel’s family said he had moved to the United States around three decades ago in search of better opportunities. Local broadcaster WBBJ reported that he had taken over Ridgecrest Cellars on Monday, meaning he had been the store’s owner for only three days before the fatal robbery.
A 70-year-old employee who had worked at the store since it opened was also injured during the incident. She reportedly fell and suffered a broken wrist.
Not the first time
Patel’s killing has renewed concerns about violent robberies involving Gujarati and Indian-origin convenience-store and business owners in the US.
In May 2025, 30-year-old Paresh “Prince” Patel was shot dead during a robbery at a gas station in Tennessee. More recently, Gujarati woman Meghna Patel was killed inside her store in Norfolk, Virginia. In September 2025, Kiran Patel, originally from Charotar in Gujarat, was shot dead in a parking lot after confronting an armed robber who had entered her store.
Police are continuing their investigation into Patel’s killing, while the suspect remains at large.
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