Tennessee Hotel Owners Arrested for Aiding Fugitives in ‘Hide Out Room,’ Face Felony Charges

In a startling turn of events, Tennessee hotel owners Dakshaben Patel and Harshil Patel, the proprietors of Super 8 and Mountain Inn in Monteagle, find themselves in legal jeopardy after allegedly harboring fugitives within their hotel premises. The arrest follows an investigation by the Monteagle Police Department, which revealed that the hotel owners arrested provided false information to authorities regarding the whereabouts of wanted individuals during a surveillance operation on July 18.

Super 8 Mountain Inn in Monteagle, Tennessee (Photo: booked.net)

Hotel Owners Accused of Concealing Fugitives

The Tennessee hotel owners, Dakshaben Patel and Harshil Patel, proprietors of Super 8 and Mountain Inn in Monteagle, face legal consequences after being taken into custody for allegedly harboring fugitives within their hotel premises. The Monteagle Police Department launched an investigation after growing concerns about “high drug transition” in the vicinity of the Super 8 and Mountain Inn.

During surveillance, officers observed two individuals on a balcony, subsequently identifying them as having felony warrants from Franklin County. A pursuit ensued, with officers apprehending the wanted suspects on foot. Upon further examination, investigators discovered a designated “hideout room” on the corner of the hotel, serving as the living quarters for the fugitives. The Patel couple allegedly misled law enforcement multiple times about the suspects’ residency within the establishment.

“Both Patel subjects had been advised multiple times about the wanted suspects and had lied to officers about their residence at the hotel,” stated the police department. The revelation of a concealed hideout room raises questions about the extent of the Tennessee hotel owners’ involvement in shielding fugitives from law enforcement.

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Felony charges for providing false information

The arrest of the Tennessee hotel owners, Dakshaben Patel and Harshil Patel, highlights the critical role businesses play in assisting law enforcement. Concealing fugitives not only poses a threat to public safety but also undermines trust between the community and local establishments. The legal proceedings will delve into the extent of the Patels’ knowledge and involvement in harboring the wanted suspects.

The Monteagle Police Department emphasized that both Patel subjects had been advised multiple times about the wanted suspects and had lied to officers about their residence at the hotel. Dakshaben Patel and Harshil Patel now face serious consequences, being charged with the offense of making false reports to police officers, constituting a felony.

The arrest of the Tennessee hotel owners raises broader questions about the responsibilities of business owners in aiding criminal investigations. As the legal process unfolds, the community awaits further details on the motivations behind the Patel couple’s actions and the potential repercussions for their business enterprises.

READ ALSO: Monteagle hotel owners charged with false reporting, hosting fugitives