Authorities in Indiana are investigating a disturbing allegation involving a DoorDash driver accused of spraying pepper spray onto a household’s Arby’s order moments earlier than delivering it. The incident, which unfolded in Vanderburgh County, has raised new questions on shopper security and oversight inside third-party food delivery services.

Mark Cardin instructed investigators that the supply appeared routine till his spouse sat all the way down to eat. He mentioned she took a number of bites earlier than her respiratory modified.

According to Cardin, she “started choking and gasping” after which vomited. The sudden response prompted him to examine the packaging. Cardin mentioned he observed a residue on the bag that seemed like “some kind of spray or something,” which led him to evaluation their doorbell digicam footage.

Cardin mentioned the video confirmed the supply driver standing on the porch and spraying one thing into the bag earlier than leaving. He instructed authorities the tampering appeared deliberate and achieved solely seconds earlier than the motive force walked away.

DoorDash Driver Accused Of Pepper-Spraying Woman’s Arby’s Order In Indiana

“The lady who dropped the food off had actually tampered with it on purpose for some reason,” he mentioned.

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that detectives are reviewing the footage and gathering proof. Investigators mentioned the case may end in a cost of shopper product tampering, a Level 6 felony below Indiana regulation.

The offense carries potential jail time and fines if prosecutors decide the proof helps submitting expenses. Authorities haven’t launched the motive force’s identify and mentioned they intend to finish their inquiry earlier than forwarding the case to the county prosecutor.

The allegations have additionally renewed scrutiny of meals supply platforms equivalent to DoorDash, which depend on unbiased contractors and preserve restricted management over particular person drivers. Consumer advocates word that the gig-based mannequin complicates oversight and leaves clients susceptible to misconduct that will happen exterior firm supervision.

Cardin mentioned his spouse recovered after the incident however added that the expertise left him unsettled. He mentioned the doorbell video clarified what occurred and pushed him to contact regulation enforcement instantly. He hopes the investigation prompts stronger safeguards for customers who depend upon third-party supply providers for each day meals.

The sheriff’s workplace mentioned the inquiry stays lively as detectives work to find out the motive force’s motive and whether or not prison expenses will comply with.