Doordash driver allegedly attempted rape and murder. Company denies responsibility.

Doordash driver allegedly attempted rape and murder. Company denies responsibility.

The Terrifying Story of a Doordash Delivery Gone Wrong

Doordash

Imagine ordering food, expecting a hungry stomach to be satisfied, but instead encountering a nightmare that will forever haunt you. This was the reality for Chloe, an 18-year-old Doordash user who experienced a terrifying incident that shook her to the core. It’s a story that raises questions about the safety measures taken by gig economy companies like Doordash and the responsibility they have towards their customers.

On a seemingly ordinary day in February 2022, Chloe and her roommate ordered McDonald’s through Doordash. Taurus Larenzo Young, the delivery driver, dropped off their food without any indication of the horrifying events that would follow. Four days later, Young returned to Chloe’s house, sparking a series of events that would leave her physically and emotionally scarred.

It began with a knock at the door – Chloe opened it, thinking it was someone else. To her dismay, it was the same Doordash delivery driver, Young. He asked some questions about her neighbor before leaving. Moments later, he returned again, and this time Chloe felt an uneasy sense of foreboding. She opened the door only slightly, only to have Young force his way inside.

In the brutal attack that unfolded, Chloe’s life was forever changed. Young attempted to rape and kill her, inflicting injuries that included a broken nose, strangulation, and the biting off of four of her fingertips. The scars she carries are a constant reminder of the terrifying ordeal she endured.

It’s crucial to note that Young, the assailant, had a history of violence, having been convicted of aggravated assault and hit-and-run in 2016. Despite his violent past, he was hired by Doordash, raising concerns about the company’s hiring and screening processes. Doordash outsources background checks to another company, Checkr, and there seems to have been a failure in identifying Young’s criminal record.

Chloe’s harrowing experience has sparked a legal battle as she seeks to hold Doordash accountable for their negligence. In a civil lawsuit, she accuses the company of failing to conduct an adequate background check on Young and providing him with access to her home address. Her attorney, Kendall Shortway, intends to involve Checkr in the case as well, asserting that both parties share responsibility for overlooking Young’s criminal history.

Doordash, however, argues that it is not responsible for the actions of its independent contractors like Young. In a court filing, they claimed that Chloe’s injuries were “due to circumstances outside this Defendant’s control.” This raises the fundamental question of the extent of liability that gig economy companies should bear.

Chloe’s intention in pursuing legal action is to prevent others from experiencing a similar nightmare. She no longer uses Doordash or any other delivery app that relies on third-party contractors. She even avoids other gig economy apps like Uber and Lyft for fear of encountering similar dangers. Her desire for accountability is rooted in the belief that such incidents should not happen to anyone else.

It is essential for companies like Doordash to prioritize customer safety and implement stricter policies when it comes to hiring and vetting their delivery drivers. While it’s unclear whether Doordash explicitly asked about Young’s felony conviction during the background check process conducted by Checkr, the indifference towards a violent felon having access to personal information raises concerns.

Competing companies like Uber and Lyft have attempted to address these concerns by implementing screening processes that take into account applicants’ criminal records. Lyft, for instance, explicitly states that drivers may be ineligible for a “disqualifying violent crime.” Doordash should follow suit and take stronger measures to ensure the safety of their customers.

The incident Chloe endured serves as a chilling reminder that our safety cannot be taken for granted. As customers, we must demand accountability and transparency from companies that provide us with services. It is their responsibility to thoroughly vet their workforce and take significant steps to prevent such traumatic incidents from occurring.

Chloe’s lawsuit against Doordash and the involvement of Checkr highlights the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the gig economy and the obligations that it should have towards its users. By holding companies accountable for their negligence, we can strive toward a safer, more secure future for everyone involved.

Ultimately, Chloe’s strength in sharing her horrifying story should inspire us all to question the systems in place and demand change. The narrative surrounding gig economy companies must be one that prioritizes the well-being of customers, ensuring that ordering food isn’t accompanied by fear, but rather by a sense of trust and security.