An Indian-origin entrepreneur was arrested in the United States after a dramatic incident at a California winery. The man, identified as Vikram Beri, allegedly tried to start a fire at the Garrod Farms Estate Winery & Stables in Saratoga. He then crashed his Tesla and resisted arrest. Police used force to detain him after he refused to step out of the vehicle.
WILD SCENE IN SARATOGA
Deputies responded Saturday afternoon to Garrod Farms Estate Winery & Stables in @CityofSaratoga after a man reportedly tried to start a fire. When confronted by staff, he threw a wine bottle and fled in a Tesla—intentionally crashing into two parked cars,… pic.twitter.com/bDF2MD8mmr— SantaClaraCoSheriff (@SCCoSheriff) December 8, 2025
Who is Vikram Beri?
Vikram Beri is a 42-year-old entrepreneur from Menlo Park, California. He founded BetterLYF Wellness, an online mental health platform, around nine years ago. He also works as Executive Director of Business Development at Fieldking, a company that manufactures agricultural equipment.
Earlier in his career, he worked with Deloitte in a consulting role. Beri holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA in marketing and strategy from the Indian School of Business.
What Happened at the Winery?
The incident took place on the afternoon of December 8 at Garrod Farms Estate Winery & Stables. According to authorities, Beri tried to set fire to the winery grounds. When staff confronted him, he allegedly threw a bottle of wine at them. The exact motive for the act remains unclear.
After the confrontation, Beri got into his Tesla and tried to flee. In the process, he intentionally crashed the car into two parked vehicles before driving it off an embankment.
Police Response and Arrest
Law enforcement arrived on the scene as Beri refused to surrender. Officers initially attempted to calm him down, but he remained inside the vehicle and did not comply.
An official statement on social media described how police had to use pepperball and spray to force him out. Beri was left with no choice but to “crawl out of the car”, according to authorities. He was then taken into custody by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.
Charges Against Vikram Beri
Vikram Beri was booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest. After the arrest, he was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation and observation before further legal processing.
Vikram Beri: Business Career & Background
Beri’s professional background includes:
- Founder of BetterLYF Wellness — a platform focused on mental health and well-being.
- Executive Director at Fieldking — involved in business development for farm equipment manufacturing.
- Consulting experience at Deloitte — worked in business consulting early in his career.
His educational path includes a mechanical engineering degree and an MBA, giving him an edge in both technical and business leadership roles.
Vikram Beri: Public Reaction and Legal Outlook
The unusual nature of the incident — involving an attempted fire, a high-profile tech entrepreneur, and a luxury vehicle — has drawn attention locally and in business circles. Investigators are looking into what prompted the actions, and the local community remains cautious as more details emerge.
Once Beri’s health evaluation is complete, he is expected to face court proceedings related to the charges of assault and resisting arrest.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The legal process will determine Beri’s next steps in the US judicial system. If convicted, the severity of the charges could result in significant penalties. Meanwhile, police and prosecutors are gathering evidence to support formal court filings. The case has also raised questions about public safety and mental health awareness among business leaders.
