Full Breakdown
DoorDash Driver Arrested for Allegedly Spraying Customer's Food with Pepper Spray
12/16/2025, 4:17:01 AM
Incident Overview: Allegations of Food Tampering
On December 7, 2025, Kourtney N. Stevenson, a DoorDash driver, was arrested in Kentucky after allegedly spraying a customer's food with pepper spray during a delivery in Evansville, Indiana. The incident, captured on the couple's doorbell camera, showed Stevenson placing the food on the porch and then spraying a substance from a small aerosol can toward the meal before leaving. The couple, Mark Cardin and his wife, reported experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting and burning sensations in their mouths, noses, throats, and stomachs shortly after consuming the food.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the complaint received by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, detectives identified Stevenson through DoorDash records. When contacted, she claimed she had sprayed the pepper spray at a spider that had frightened her, stating she is "terrified" of spiders. However, investigators noted that the temperature that night was 35°F (1.7°C), too cold for outdoor spiders to be active. Stevenson initially agreed to meet with detectives but later canceled, prompting authorities to issue an arrest warrant.
Stevenson was taken into custody by the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office and is facing multiple felony charges, including two counts of battery resulting in moderate injury and two counts of consumer product tampering. She is currently being held without bail pending extradition to Indiana.
Official Statements and Responses
DoorDash responded swiftly to the incident, stating that Stevenson’s access to the platform has been permanently revoked. A spokesperson emphasized the company's "zero tolerance" policy for such behavior, asserting, “We have absolutely zero tolerance for this type of appalling behavior … and our team is supporting law enforcement with the investigation.”
Sheriff Noah Robinson of Vanderburgh County expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “Residents should be able to trust that the food they order for their families is safe. When someone violates that trust and endangers others, we will respond … and we will pursue charges.”
Criticism and Public Concern
The incident has raised significant concerns about food safety in the delivery industry. Mark Cardin articulated the fear many consumers now share, saying, “It’s horrific to think about all the other ways our food could’ve been messed with in this day and age. It could’ve been rat poison—it could’ve been fentanyl. My wife could’ve been dead.” This case has sparked discussions about the need for enhanced safety measures and accountability within food delivery services.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Stevenson maintains her claim that she was attempting to spray a spider, authorities have expressed skepticism due to the weather conditions at the time of the incident. The lack of clarity regarding whether Stevenson has legal representation further complicates the narrative.
What's Next
As Stevenson awaits extradition to Indiana, the case is likely to fuel ongoing debates about food safety standards in the gig economy. Law enforcement and DoorDash have pledged to cooperate in addressing the incident and preventing future occurrences, highlighting the delicate balance between convenience and security in food delivery services.
