A violent robbery at a store in Tennessee, US, has shattered an immigrant family from Gujarat, leaving the community in profound grief. Suresh Patel, a 62-year-old businessman, was shot dead on Thursday night inside the Jackson establishment known as Ridgecrest Sellers Wine and Spirits. Heartbreakingly, he had taken over ownership of the shop just three days prior to the incident, and his 19-year-old daughter was inside the store witnessing the entire horrific ordeal unfold. Local law enforcement is actively investigating the case and searching for the gunman.
Took Over the Store Just Days Ago
Suresh Patel originally hailed from the Mehsana district in Gujarat before moving to the United States. According to local media accounts, he had assumed control of the liquor and spirits shop only days before the tragedy struck. He officially became the new owner of the business on Monday, embarking on a fresh entrepreneurial venture, but his aspirations were abruptly cut short after merely three days when the fatal robbery took place.
Masked Gunman Entered the Store
According to the Jackson Police Department, a masked individual walked into the establishment brandishing a firearm and demanded cash from the employees. The suspect was wearing a paintball-style mask. Even after obtaining the money, the assailant opened fire. Local broadcaster WBBJ reported that Suresh Patel was struck by the bullets and sustained fatal injuries, passing away at the scene. His daughter, who was working or present in the shop during the incident, witnessed her father being shot, leaving the family in deep shock.
Suspect Captured on Surveillance Cameras
Police stated that the attacker was caught on CCTV cameras. The suspect has been described as a Black male who was wearing a gray hoodie, jeans, and black shoes, with a paintball-style mask concealing his face. Authorities noted that the perpetrator fled the scene in a white sedan following the shooting. Law enforcement officials have characterized the suspect as armed and extremely dangerous, launching an extensive manhunt to capture him. The public has been urged to contact the Jackson Police Department or Crime Stoppers with any relevant information.
Growing Safety Concerns for Gujarati Business Owners
The tragic killing of Suresh Patel has once again intensified safety concerns among people of Gujarati origin running businesses across the United States. Indian-origin store owners have repeatedly faced armed robberies and fatal shootings in the past. In May 2025, 30-year-old Paresh ‘Prince’ Patel was shot and killed during a robbery at a gas station in Tennessee. Two months prior, a Gujarati woman named Meghna Patel was shot dead inside her shop in Norfolk, Virginia. Additionally, in September 2025, Kiran Patel, originally from Charotar, was shot and killed in a parking lot after confronting an armed robber who had entered a store. These recurring tragedies continue to raise alarm bells regarding the security of immigrant entrepreneurs.
