Gujarati Store Owner Shot Dead in Tennessee During Robbery; 19-Year-Old Daughter Escapes Unhurt

A 56-year-old Gujarati-origin store owner was fatally shot during an armed robbery at a liquor store in Jackson, Tennessee, on Thursday night, August 20. His 19-year-old daughter was reportedly standing beside him when the shooting took place but escaped without physical injury.

The victim has been identified as Suresh Patel by the Jackson Police Department. The shooting occurred at Ridgecrest Cellars on Ridgecrest Road at approximately 9 p.m., according to police and local reports.

Armed Robber Entered Store and Demanded Cash

According to investigators, an armed and masked man entered the business and demanded money from the employees.

After receiving the cash, the suspect allegedly fired several shots inside the store. Patel was struck by the gunfire and died at the scene.

Police said the suspect fled after the shooting and was believed to have left in a white sedan. Investigators described him as a Black male wearing a grey hoodie, jeans and black work-style boots. His face was reportedly covered with a paintball-style mask.

The suspect remains at large, and the investigation is continuing.

Daughter Was Standing Beside Her Father

One of the most distressing details of the incident is that Patel's 19-year-old daughter was reportedly standing next to him when the gunman opened fire.

Despite being close to the shooting, she was not physically injured.

A 70-year-old employee was also inside the store at the time. She reportedly fell during the incident and suffered a fractured wrist.

Patel Had Recently Taken Over the Store

Reports indicate that Patel had only recently become the owner of Ridgecrest Cellars.

According to local reporting, he had taken over the business just days before the fatal shooting. His connection to Gujarat has also been reported, with sources identifying him as being from Akhaj village in Kadi taluka of Mehsana district.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Gujarati community and renewed concerns about the safety of Indian-origin business owners operating convenience stores and other retail establishments in the United States.

Police Launch Manhunt for Suspect

Following the shooting, the Jackson Police Department began searching for the suspect.

Authorities have appealed to members of the public who may have information about the robbery, the suspect or the vehicle used to escape.

Police have described the suspect as potentially armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Jackson Police Department or Crime Stoppers.

Growing Concerns Over Safety of Indian-Origin Store Owners

The killing has also drawn attention to a wider concern involving Indian-origin business owners in the United States.

Many Gujarati and other Indian-American families operate convenience stores, gas stations and liquor stores, some of which remain open for long hours. These businesses can become targets for robberies, particularly when employees are working late at night.

The death of Suresh Patel has therefore raised fresh concerns within the community about workplace security and the risks faced by small-business owners.

Investigation Still Underway

Authorities have not yet announced an arrest in connection with the Jackson shooting. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the robbery and fatal shooting.

For Patel's family, the tragedy is particularly devastating given that his daughter was reportedly beside him during the attack.

The case remains under investigation as police work to identify and locate the suspect.

Key Details

• Victim: Suresh Patel, 56

• Location: Ridgecrest Cellars, Jackson, Tennessee

• Date: August 20, 2026

• Time: Around 9 p.m.

• Incident: Armed robbery followed by shooting

• Daughter: 19 years old; reportedly unharmed

• Other injured person: 70-year-old employee with a fractured wrist

• Suspect: Masked armed man

• Getaway vehicle: White sedan

• Investigation: Ongoing

Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from police statements and published news reports. Details may change as the investigation progresses.