An Indian-origin millionaire was arrested in California after allegedly attempting to set fire to a winery and crashing into parked cars while fleeing.
Authorities identified the suspect as Vikram Beri, 42, an entrepreneur based in Menlo Park. The incident occurred on December 8 at Garrod Farms Estate Winery and Stables in Saratoga, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said Beri tried to ignite a fire at the winery. When staff confronted him, he allegedly threw a bottle of wine at them. He then attempted to escape the scene in his Tesla.
During the escape, Beri intentionally crashed into two parked vehicles. Deputies said he drove his car off an embankment and refused repeated commands to surrender. Officers attempted de-escalation, but Beri did not comply.
Police then used pepperball rounds and pepper spray. The sheriff’s office said the force prompted Beri to crawl out of the vehicle, after which officers took him into custody. He was later transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Beri was booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest.
He founded BetterLYF Wellness, an online mental health platform, nine years ago. He also serves as Executive Director of Business Development at Fieldking. His past experience includes consulting work at Deloitte.
