DoorDash Driver Shot At in Denver Over Food Dispute, Suspect Faces Attempted Homicide Charges
A DoorDash driver in Denver was nearly shot after an enraged customer allegedly fired a gun during a dispute over a food order. The incident took place on Jan. 15 at an apartment complex near Downing Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard around 6:30 p.m. According to court documents, 58-year-old Brian Elias became confrontational with the driver, accusing him of eating his order and demanding a refund. Witnesses reported hearing a heated argument, and one individual captured footage of Elias brandishing a firearm before a shot was fired.
Denver police were alerted to the gunfire through ShotSpotter, the department’s gunshot detection system. When officers arrived, they found a bullet shell casing at the scene and later seized a handgun from Elias’s apartment during the execution of a search warrant. Fortunately, the delivery driver was not struck by the gunfire and was able to provide a statement to investigators.
Following his arrest, Elias was charged with attempted homicide along with several other firearm-related offenses. Court records indicate he has since been released on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court again in April. The severity of the charges has drawn concern, as the confrontation reportedly escalated over a simple food delivery dispute.
DoorDash responded to the incident, confirming that the driver used the company’s SafeDash Emergency Assistance Button, which silently alerted law enforcement. “This was a shocking and unacceptable incident, and we have deactivated the individual’s account,” a DoorDash spokesperson stated. “We’re relieved the Dasher wasn’t seriously injured and grateful to law enforcement for their quick response.” The company also emphasized its commitment to driver safety, investing in security measures to prevent such incidents.
