Millions of enterprising Americans draw or supplement their income with gig work, on-demand jobs such as delivery drivers that conveniently fit around their schedules. Unfortunately, these freelancers are now targets for criminals who see gig workers as easy prey.
A Miami Gardens, Florida food delivery driver on Thursday afternoon proved with lethal force that these nontraditional entrepreneurs are not all ready victims.
Food delivery driver turned tables on masked suspect
According to the Miami Gardens Police Department (MGPD), it was about 1:40 p.m. when multiple suspects targeted a driver for an attempted robbery. What must have seemed like a good idea quickly went sideways when the intended victim produced a firearm.
One suspect was shot in the face and received treatment on the scene from first responders before he was airlifted to an area hospital and pronounced dead. Authorities did not identify the deceased individual.
Not so for 28-year-old Jabari Thomas, the alleged accomplice who is being held without bond at Broward County’s Sheriff’s Office Jail. Meanwhile, the citizen who defended himself remained on the scene and was temporarily detained as he cooperated with investigators.
Charges against the driver are highly unlikely, particularly in Florida
The delivery driver reportedly asked neighbors who converged onto the violent scene for video footage of the deadly encounter, and one person produced a recording captured moments after the shooting.
Isabel Ordonez told reporters that she witnessed the intended victim looking for help. “He was asking if we had any footage to show that it was self-defense because he was explaining to us what happened. He said he was actively being robbed, but he had a concealed carry [permit].”
Other neighbors told investigators they heard several gunshots and saw an alleged attacker on the ground after having his ski mask taken off.
The worst among us see these gig workers as easy targets–right up until they don’t. No one celebrates loss of life, but more of these incidents where good people rise and defend themselves is undoubtedly the best deterrent to these senseless acts of violence.
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