A 56-year-old Indian-origin man was fatally shot during an armed robbery at a retail store in Jackson, Tennessee, according to local police.
The Jackson Police Department identified the victim as Suresh Patel, an employee at Ridgecrest Cellars Wine and Spirits on Ridgecrest Road. Officers were called to the business at approximately 9 p.m. on August 20 following reports of a robbery and shooting.
Based on witness accounts released by police, a masked individual entered the store, displayed a firearm and demanded money from employees. Investigators said the assailant fired several shots after taking the cash. Patel was struck and pronounced dead at the scene.
Police described the suspect as wearing a grey hoodie, jeans, black work-style boots and a paintball-style mask. The individual reportedly escaped in a white sedan and remained wanted when authorities issued their public appeal.
Some early media reports listed Patel’s age as 62. However, the Jackson Police Department’s official statement identifies him as 56. Investigators have asked anyone with relevant information to contact the police or Crime Stoppers.
The incident remains under investigation, and police have not announced any motive beyond the suspected robbery.
