Amazon Driver Punches 71-Year-Old in Face Over Parking Spot in Elk Grove, CA

An Amazon delivery driver allegedly knocked a 71-year-old man to the floor of a California convenience store after a parking dispute. The suspect, Terrence Wheeler, 30, faces felony elder abuse charges.

Amazon Driver Charged With Felony Elder Abuse After Knocking Senior to Store Floor

An Amazon delivery driver punched a 71-year-old man in the head hard enough to send him to the floor of a convenience store in Elk Grove, California, following a dispute over a parking spot, Law & Crime reports.

Terrence Wheeler, 30, has been charged with felony elder abuse, felony criminal threats, and misdemeanor battery, the Elk Grove Police Department confirmed.

The incident took place on March 30 at a gas station and convenience store on the 8300 block of Sheldon Road. The victim — an auditor of agricultural and animal production facilities — had stopped to use the restroom and buy a soft drink. He pulled into a parking spot at the same moment Wheeler was looking to park his delivery vehicle there.

Wheeler, who was delivering packages on behalf of Amazon at the time, "became upset because he had intended to park in the same" spot, according to police.

Attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing the victim in a civil lawsuit against Amazon, said Wheeler "reacted hyper aggressively." Wheeler allegedly confronted the man in the parking lot before following him inside the store.

Video footage shared by Buzbee shows the suspect standing inches from the elderly man's face and saying, "I'll beat your a—." As the victim attempted to walk away — in front of store employees — Wheeler clenched his fist and struck the man in the side of the head. The 71-year-old tumbled to the floor.

Wheeler then walked to the counter, apparently to make a purchase. He allegedly glanced at the dazed victim on the floor and said, "F— wrong with you?"

Buzbee said his client was treated for neck pain and a concussion.

Investigators identified Wheeler as the suspect and contacted him. He turned himself in later that same day and was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail. His next court date is scheduled for September 24.

"Amazon delivery folks must be carefully screened and trained," Buzbee said in announcing the civil lawsuit. "Amazon must do better in the hiring process. When Amazon fails, like here, it must be held accountable."

An Amazon spokesperson told Los Angeles ABC affiliate KABC that Wheeler was employed by an independent contractor — a third-party business that delivers packages on Amazon's behalf. Amazon said it investigated the incident, shared its findings with the contracting company, and confirmed that Wheeler is no longer permitted to deliver Amazon packages.

Source: Law & Crime