A DoorDash driver in Florida was abducted and raped by a man who then opened fire on her family when they tried to rescue her.
On Friday, April 21, police in Tampa, Florida, announced the arrest of a man they say kidnapped and sexually assaulted a DoorDash driver who had been making deliveries.
Abducted and Sexually Assaulted
According to a press statement issued by the Tampa Police Department on Saturday, April 22, 38-year-old Joseph Killins has been charged with armed kidnapping, robbery with a firearm, armed sexual violence, and aggravated battery with a weapon.
At approximately 11:00 PM local time on Tuesday, April 18, a woman in her early 20s was attacked as she got out of her vehicle to make a delivery at a Residence Inn hotel.
As per a CBS News article, a police report indicates that the suspect threatened her with a pistol before ordering her back into her vehicle and directing her to drive to the Belara Lakes Apartments, where he sexually attacked her.
Also Read: Gun Violence 2023: US Sets Record Pace of One Mass Killing Per Week on Average
Saved by Family and Authorities
The victim was on the phone with her partner, who heard the abduction and assault, prompting the girlfriend to call the police. The victim was wearing her AirPods at the time. The victim's loved ones alerted the authorities, who used her phone to eventually locate her.
When they got to the apartment complex, the family members rushed to help the victim after she had been locked in her vehicle, but the suspect opened fire on them. According to authorities, a lady in her 20s who is related to the victim's girlfriend was shot and injured.
After then, the suspect ran away.
Both victims were brought to the hospital, but their injuries were not considered life-threatening, authorities added.
Killins was located and arrested Friday night at the Tampa Inn by detectives investigating both cases. Insider said the suspect was being detained in Tampa at the Orient Road Jail.
"This criminal is now off the streets thanks to the tireless efforts of every Tampa Police Department employee and the assistance provided by members of our community," Interim Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement.
In addition to the assault on the DoorDash driver, police have disclosed details of a separate robbery that took place at the Belara Lakes complex the morning following the attack on the driver. A lady in her 40s was attacked and had her bag taken.
Yet Another Violent Incident
Sadly, another driver who was simply at work recently fell victim to an attack.
Officials in Baltimore have reported that a Lyft driver was carjacked and attacked on a Saturday morning last week, April 15, in the city's southern neighborhoods.
Reportedly, a gang of three males and three women attacked a Lyft driver, who was driving a brand-new blue Toyota Corolla, injured him, stole his phone, and drove off in his vehicle.
Also Read: Lyft Driver Assaulted and Carjacked By 3 Men, 3 Women in Baltimore
