Indian-origin millionaire arrested in California for alleged arson attempt at winery
Indian-origin millionaire Vikram Beri was arrested in California after allegedly attempting to set fire to a winery and crashing his Tesla while trying to flee, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said.
The 42-year-old reportedly tried to ignite a fire at the Garrod Farms Estate Winery & Stables in Saratoga on December 8.
When staff confronted him, Beri allegedly hurled a wine bottle at them and then attempted to escape, intentionally ramming into two parked vehicles.
According to officials, Beri drove his Tesla off an embankment and refused to surrender despite multiple de-escalation attempts.
WILD SCENE IN SARATOGA
— SantaClaraCoSheriff (@SCCoSheriff) December 8, 2025
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
Deputies eventually used pepperballs and spray, forcing him to crawl out of the car before he was taken into custody. He was later transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Beri has been booked on charges including assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest.
An entrepreneur based in Menlo Park, Beri founded the online mental health platform BetterLYF Wellness nine years ago.
He also serves as Executive Director of Business Development at Fieldking, a global farm equipment manufacturer, and previously worked with Deloitte.
He holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the Indian School of Business.
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