Fatal Shooting at Tennessee Wine Store

Suresh Patel, a Indian-origin store owner from Gujarat, was shot and killed during an armed robbery at his shop in Jackson, Tennessee, on the night of August 20. His 19-year-old daughter, standing next to him at the time, escaped unharmed, according to police and local reports.

Authorities identified the 62-year-old victim as Suresh Patel, a native of Mehsana district, Gujarat. In one report, his age was given as 56, but most accounts described him as 62. The shooting occurred around 9 p.m. at Ridgecrest Cellars Wine and Spirits on Ridgecrest Road.

The Incident and Police Account

According to the Jackson Police Department, the suspect entered the store, brandished a firearm, and demanded cash from employees. After receiving money, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking Patel, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A 70-year-old employee, who had worked at the store since its opening, fell during the shooting and suffered a fractured wrist.

The suspect was captured on CCTV, described as a Black male wearing a grey hoodie, jeans, and black work-style boots, with his face covered by a paintball-style mask. He fled the store in a white sedan. Police warned that the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.

Investigation and Manhunt

As of Saturday, the motive for the shooting remained under investigation. Local broadcaster WBBJ reported, citing sources, that Patel had taken over the store just three days before the shooting, on Monday. The victim's daughter, who was at the store when the shooting occurred, was unharmed.

Police launched a manhunt and appealed to the public for information. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jackson Police Department or Crime Stoppers.

Pattern of Violence Against Gujarati Store Owners

Patel's killing highlighted continuing concerns over violent robberies involving Gujarati 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, and reports indicated the robber fired multiple rounds even after being handed cash. In another recent incident, a Gujarati woman named Meghna Patel was shot dead inside her store in Virginia two months ago.

Patel's death adds to a troubling series of attacks targeting the Gujarati community in the United States, raising alarm among community members and officials alike.