An Indian-origin businessman from Gujarat was shot dead during an armed robbery at his newly opened store in Jackson, Tennessee, on August 20, according to local police and reports.
The victim was identified as Suresh Parsottamdas Patel, a native of Gujarat’s Mehsana district. He had reportedly been living in the United States for nearly three decades and had opened his new business, Ridgecrest Cellars, only days before the incident.
Robbery Turns Fatal
Police received a call at around 9 p.m. reporting a robbery and shooting at the store.
According to investigators, an unidentified man entered the business, displayed a weapon and demanded cash from employees. After taking money, the suspect allegedly opened fire, striking Patel. He died at the scene.
Daughter Was Present
Patel’s 19-year-old daughter was reportedly inside the store when the shooting occurred. She escaped the incident without physical injuries.
A store employee also reportedly suffered an injury after falling during the incident.
Police Search for Suspect
The Jackson Police Department described the suspect as a man wearing a grey hoodie, jeans and black work-style boots. His face was reportedly covered with a paintball-style mask.
The suspect was seen leaving the business in a white sedan, and police have released images in an effort to identify him. No arrest had been announced in the reports available at the time of publication.
Grief in Gujarat
News of Patel’s death has caused shock and grief in Aakhaj village in Mehsana district, his native place.
Residents said Patel had moved to the United States around 30 years ago and had spent a significant part of his life there before starting his new business in Jackson.
Investigation Underway
Police are continuing to investigate the robbery and shooting and have appealed to the public for information that could help identify the suspect.
