A 62-year-old Indian-origin shop owner was shot dead during an armed robbery at his store in Tennessee, US, while his 19-year-old daughter stood nearby and watched in horror as the gunman opened fire, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred on Thursday night, and the motive is still being investigated.
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Suresh Patel, a native of Gujarat’s Mehsana district, was killed at Ridgecrest Cellars Wine and Spirits in Jackson at around 9 pm, according to the Jackson Police Department. Local media reports said Patel had taken charge of the store only days earlier and that his daughter was present when the shooting took place.
Gunman escapes in sedan
According to local broadcaster WBBJwitnesses told police that a masked man walked into the store, pulled out a firearm and demanded money from the employees. After taking the cash, the suspect fired several rounds, hitting Patel. Police said he died at the spot.
The suspect was captured on CCTV and was described as a Black man dressed in a grey hoodie, jeans and black work-style boots. He was wearing a paintball-style mask that concealed his face. Police said he escaped in a white sedan and cautioned that he was considered armed and dangerous.
Patel’s family said he had moved to the US around three decades ago in search of better opportunities.
WBBJ reported, quoting sources, that Patel became the new owner of Ridgecrest Cellars on Monday, just three days before he was killed. The broadcaster also said a 70-year-old employee, who had worked at the store since it first opened, fell during the incident and suffered a broken wrist.
Recent killings raise concerns
Police have begun a search for the suspect and urged anyone who may have information to come forward. People with any information have been asked to contact the Jackson Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
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Patel’s death comes amid ongoing concerns over violent robberies targeting Gujarati convenience store and business owners across the US.
In May 2025, 30-year-old Paresh “Prince” Patel was shot dead during a robbery at a gas station in Tennessee. Two months ago, Gujarati woman Meghna Patel was killed after being shot inside her store in Norfolk, Virginia.
In September 2025, Kiran Patel, who was originally from Charotar, was shot dead in a parking lot after confronting an armed robber who had entered her store.