Indian Shop Owner Killed During Robbery In Tennessee, Suspect Images Released
Indian-origin shop owner killed during robbery as police seek suspect.
A 56-year-old Indian-origin shop owner from Gujarat was shot dead during an armed robbery at his store in Jackson, Tennessee, on August 20. The victim was identified as Suresh Parsottamdas Patel, a native of Aakhaj village in Mehsana district. Police have released photographs of the masked suspect as efforts continue to trace the person responsible for the shooting.
Patel had reportedly opened Ridgecrest Cellars only a few days before the incident. According to police, officers received a call at around 9 pm reporting a robbery and shooting at the business. The suspect allegedly entered the shop, displayed a weapon and demanded money from employees before fleeing with cash.
Witnesses told police that after taking money from an employee, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking Patel. His 19-year-old daughter was reportedly standing beside him when the shooting took place. A 70-year-old employee, who had worked at the store since it opened, also reportedly fell during the incident and suffered a broken wrist.
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Police described the suspect as a Black male wearing a grey hoodie, jeans and black work-style boots. His face was covered with a paintball-style mask, according to investigators. The suspect was reportedly seen leaving the business in a white sedan, and authorities released three images from inside the store in an effort to identify him.
The killing has also sent shockwaves through Patel's native village in Gujarat's Mehsana district. A resident quoted by news agency ANI said Patel had been living in the United States for nearly 30 years and had spent a significant period in Chicago. The resident added that Patel had opened his new store in Jackson only about a week before the fatal incident.
Residents of Aakhaj village have expressed grief and concern following news of Patel's death. The incident has drawn attention in the community as relatives and villagers await further information from US authorities. Police continue to investigate the robbery and shooting, while the suspect remains at large.
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