Amazon Delivery Driver Charged After Assault on Elderly Man at Elk Grove Gas Station

On March 30, a man identified as Terrence Wheeler, 30, of Antioch, confronted a senior customer in the parking lot of an ARCO gas station at Sheldon Road and East Stockton Boulevard in Elk Grove, California. Police say Wheeler became angry over the parking spot, followed the man into the store and struck him on the head, causing the victim to fall. Surveillance video captured the assault, showing Wheeler delivering a punch from behind.

KCRA 3

Wheeler was arrested the same day and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail. He faces felony elder-abuse and felony criminal-threat charges, along with a misdemeanor battery count. His next court appearance is scheduled for September.

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Attorney Tony Buzbee filed a civil suit in the Superior Court of California, Sacramento County, seeking $10 million on behalf of the victim, who is described as a 71-year-old auditor of agricultural and animal-production facilities. Buzbee alleges that Amazon’s hiring and screening practices contributed to the incident.

New York Post

Amazon clarified that Wheeler was employed by an independent contractor that delivers packages for the company. After learning of the assault, Amazon informed the contractor that Wheeler is no longer eligible to deliver Amazon packages. The company has not commented further on the lawsuit.

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• “Amazon delivery folks must be carefully screened and trained. Amazon must do better in the hiring process. When Amazon fails, like here, it must be held accountable,” — Tony Buzbee, attorney

KABC - Los Angeles News

• “We believe the Amazon driver has a history of violence,” — Tony Buzbee, attorney

New York Post

Sources differ on the victim’s age: KCRA reports a 72-year-old man, while ABC 7 and the New York Post describe him as 71. No additional details about the victim’s medical condition beyond reported neck pain and concussion have been released.

New York Post