An Indian national named Suresh Patel was shot dead during an armed robbery at his shop, Ridgecrest Cellars, in Tennessee on Thursday evening, August 20. Patel’s daughter reportedly witnessed the murder while she was standing next to him when the gunman opened fire.
The masked suspect was seen on CCTV wearing a grey hoodie, jeans and black work-style boots. Police said he escaped in a white sedan.
Also Read | Who was Levi Brown? Teen shot dead at Independence High School in Bakersfield ID’d: ‘Had crazy potential’
Who was Suresh Patel?
Patel, 56, was from Gujarat, India. He had assumed ownership of Ridgecrest Cellars Wine and Spirits in Jackson just days before the shooting, police said.
The Jackson Police Department shared information about the shooting in a post on social media
The Jackson Police Department wrote on Facebook, “The Jackson Police Department is investigating an armed robbery and shooting that occurred on the evening of Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Ridgecrest Cellars, located at 2880 Ridgecrest Road. At approximately 9:00 p.m., officers responded to a call regarding a robbery and shooting in the business. According to witnesses, an unidentified suspect entered the establishment, brandished a weapon, and demanded cash from the employees. After taking the money from the employee, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking one of the store employees. The victim was found deceased and identified as Suresh Patel, a 56-year-old man.”
Also Read | Hebron shooting reports: What’s happening near Lowell, Indiana? Witnesses report police activity
The post added that the suspect’s face was covered with a paintball-style mask.
Anyone with any information about the shooting has been urged to contact the Jackson Police Department at 731-425-8400 or Crime Stoppers at 731-424-8477. Callers to Crime Stoppers may remain anonymous.
