Indian-origin store owner shot dead during robbery in US, daughter watched in horror

A 62-year-old Indian-origin store owner was shot dead during an armed robbery at his shop in Tennessee, US, as his 19-year-old daughter stood beside him and watched in horror when the gunman opened fire, police said on Saturday. The shooting took place on Thursday night and the motive remains under investigation.Suresh Patel, who was from Gujarat's Mehsana district, was killed at Ridgecrest Cellars Wine and Spirits in Jackson around 9 pm, according to the Jackson Police Department. Local media reported that Patel had taken over the store just days before the shooting and that his daughter was at the store when he was shot dead.According to local broadcaster WBBJ, witnesses told police that a masked man entered the store, pulled out a gun and demanded cash from employees. After receiving the money, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking Patel. He died at the scene, police said.The suspect, who was caught on CCTV, was described as a Black man wearing a grey hoodie, jeans and black work-style boots. His face was covered with a paintball-style mask. Police said he fled the store in a white sedan and warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous. WBBJ reported, citing sources, that Patel had taken over Ridgecrest Cellars as its new owner on Monday, just three days before the shooting. The broadcaster also reported that a 70-year-old employee who had worked at the store since it opened fell during the incident and broke her wrist.Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect and appealed to the public for information. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Jackson Police Department or Crime Stoppers. Patel's killing came amid 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. Two months ago, Gujarati woman Meghna Patel was shot dead inside her store in Norfolk, Virginia.In September 2025, Kiran Patel, originally from Charotar, was shot dead in a parking lot after confronting an armed robber who had entered her store.- Ends(with inputs from Manish Mistri)Published By: Prateek ChakrabortyPublished On: Aug 23, 2026 10:01 IST