Delivery drivers in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood are increasingly becoming targets of criminal activity. Over the weekend, two separate incidents involving delivery drivers highlighted this concerning trend.
On Saturday evening, an Amazon delivery driver was shot during an attempted robbery. The incident took place around 6 p.m. on Mariposa Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. The driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a hospital. The perpetrator fled the scene before the arrival of the police. Amazon is working closely with law enforcement to investigate this crime and is focused on supporting its team during this difficult time.
In a separate incident less than 24 hours earlier, a food delivery driver was carjacked in broad daylight at Seventh and Mission streets. A local resident and anti-drug activist, Ricci Wynne, captured the incident on his cellphone. The car thief is seen in the video driving the stolen vehicle backward at high speed, with the driver’s door left open. The delivery driver is seen running after his car in vain.
These incidents underscore the growing risks faced by delivery drivers in urban areas. They also highlight the importance of enhanced safety measures and strategies to protect these workers, who are often vulnerable to such criminal activities.
As yet, no arrests have been made related to either incident, and investigations are ongoing. It’s a stark reminder of the danger delivery drivers can face in the course of their duties, emphasizing the need for vigilance and the implementation of safety precautions.