Tennessee store owner Suresh Patel fatally shot during robbery
An Indian-origin store owner, Suresh Patel, was fatally shot during an armed robbery at his Tennessee shop on August 20, with his 19-year-old daughter witnessing the attack, according to police. Patel, 56, had taken ownership of Ridgecrest Cellars Wine and Spirits in Jackson only about a week earlier.
The Jackson Police Department reported that at approximately 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, officers responded to a call about a robbery and shooting at the store located at 2880 Ridgecrest Road. Investigators stated that an unidentified suspect entered the business, brandished a weapon, and demanded cash from employees. After taking the money, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking Patel, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses described the suspect as a male wearing a gray hoodie, jeans, and black work-style boots. His face was concealed by a paintball-style mask, and he fled the scene in a white sedan. Authorities are conducting a manhunt for the shooter, who is considered armed and dangerous. Police have urged anyone with information to contact the department or Crime Stoppers.
Patel was a native of Akhaj village in Gujarat, India, and had been living in the United...