What happened at the Saratoga winery?

A founder of an Indian mental health company was arrested after allegedly attempting to set fire to the winery and assaulting staff.

Berri Vikram is the founder of BetterLYF Wellness, an online mental health platform, and was arrested at a California winery.

How did the incident with Berri Vikram end?

Vikram was apprehended by authorities using pepper spray and pepperball after he crashed his Tesla and resisted arrest.

Home / Crime and Justice / Mental Health Founder's Winery Arson Attempt Ends in Arrest

Mental Health Founder's Winery Arson Attempt Ends in Arrest

11 Dec

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Summary

Founder arrested at Saratoga winery for alleged arson attempt and assault.
He reportedly crashed his Tesla into parked cars while fleeing.
Authorities used pepper spray and pepperball to subdue him.

Mental Health Founder's Winery Arson Attempt Ends in Arrest

Berri Vikram, the 42-year-old founder of BetterLYF Wellness, was arrested on December 8 at Garrod Farms Estate Winery & Stables in Saratoga, California. He faces charges including assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest after allegedly attempting to start a fire at the winery and assaulting staff members.

Vikram reportedly fled the scene in his white Tesla, intentionally crashing into two parked vehicles and sending one, then his own, over an embankment. Responding officers encountered resistance when Vikram barricaded himself in his wrecked car, necessitating the use of pepperball and spray for his apprehension.

The incident remains under investigation, with speculation arising online about the cause of his erratic behavior, given his background in mental health advocacy. Vikram previously spoke about the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues in India.