Gujarat-born businessman Suresh Patel was killed at his newly opened store in Jackson, Tennessee, while his 19-year-old daughter was standing nearby
A 56-year-old Indian shop owner from Gujarat was shot dead during an armed robbery at his newly opened store in Jackson, Tennessee, with police searching for the masked suspect.
The victim, identified as Suresh Parsottamdas Patel from Mehsana district, was killed at Ridgecrest Cellars on August 20. Patel had reportedly taken over the business only days before the shooting.
According to the Jackson Police Department, officers were called to the store at about 9pm following reports of a robbery and shooting. Witnesses told police that a masked man entered the shop, displayed a weapon and demanded money from employees.
After receiving the cash, the suspect allegedly fired several shots, hitting Patel. His 19-year-old daughter was reportedly standing beside him when he was shot and escaped unharmed.
A 70-year-old employee also fell during the incident and suffered a broken wrist, according to reports.
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Police said the suspect was wearing a grey hoodie, jeans and black work-style boots. His face was concealed by a paintball-style mask
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He was seen leaving the store in a white sedan, and police have released three images from the premises as part of their search
The suspect remained at large as of August 23, and the investigation was continuing. Police have urged anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect to come forward.
Patel had reportedly lived in the US for nearly three decades and had spent a long period in Chicago before moving into the Jackson business. News of his death has caused shock in Aakhaj village in Mehsana, where residents expressed concern over the incident.
The killing has also drawn attention to the risks faced by small-business owners following violent robberies in the US.
