Gujarati man shot dead in US store

A 56-year-old man of Gujarati origin was shot dead during an armed robbery at a liquor store in the US on Thursday night. His 19-year-old daughter was reportedly standing beside him when the gunman opened fire in the store in Jackson, Tennessee.

The victim was identified by the Jackson Police Department as Suresh Patel, who was killed at Ridgecrest Cellars on Ridgecrest Road at around 9 pm on August 20. According to police, an armed man entered the store, demanded money from employees and fled after taking the cash.

Before escaping, the suspect fired several shots inside the premises, striking Patel, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the suspect was a Black male wearing a grey hoodie, jeans and black work-style boots. His face was concealed by a paintball-style mask. He reportedly fled in a white sedan.

The shooting also injured a 70-year-old employee, who fell during the incident and suffered a fractured wrist. Patel’s daughter, who was reportedly next to her father when the shooting occurred, was not injured.

Patel was originally from Akhaj village in Kadi taluka of Mehsana district, Gujarat. Local reports said his family had taken over the store only days before the shooting.

Police have launched an investigation and appealed to the public for information that could help identify the suspect and locate the vehicle used in the getaway.

The killing has renewed concerns over the safety of Indian-origin convenience-store and business owners in the United States, particularly those working late hours and operating establishments that can become targets for armed robberies.

Patel’s death is also the latest in a series of fatal attacks involving people of Gujarat origin in the US. In May 2025, 30-year-old Paresh alias Prince Patel was reportedly shot dead during a robbery at a Tennessee gas station. In another recent incident, Gujarati woman Meghna Patel was shot dead inside her store in Norfolk, Virginia. In September 2025, Kiran Patel, originally from the Charotar region of Gujarat, was shot in a parking lot after confronting an armed robber.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Patel’s death, including the suspect’s identity and motive.