HOUSTON – An Amazon delivery partner says she was physically assaulted and held against her will while trying to deliver a package at an apartment building in River Oaks.
It happened about a week before Christmas at the Belle Meade at River Oaks apartment complex.
The delivery driver said she now suffers from lingering major emotional trauma after a run in with two women on the second floor of the complex where she said she was just trying to do her job.
“Most of the emotions I’ve had is like anger, fear,” said Jamaiya Miller.
A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media. It dates back to December 16 at around 5 p.m. It’s when Miller said she was verbally attacked by the two women.
“We’ve had thieves here and you’re a thief,” one of the women said in the video.
Miller said she was also physically assaulted by one of the two women.
Miller, an Amazon delivery partner, says she was trying to deliver a package to an apartment door at the customers request.
“I’ve had people be kind of weary because you’re in their space where they live, but I’ve never had someone get physically aggressive,” Miller said.
But this time, despite apparent repeated requests to not be touched, Miller says she was not only unlawfully restrained, but also pushed and shoved.
“She eventually pushes me up against a resident’s wall, she gets the package out of my hand and at that point I’m like forget it I’m done with it,” Miller said.
Amazon released a statement that reads, “The events depicted in this video are concerning. We’re supporting the delivery partner and working with law enforcement as they investigate. We proactively communicate to drivers who deliver for Amazon that they are never required to make a delivery if they feel unsafe.””
“I hope everyone works a little bit faster because I do think this violent criminal should be put away,” Miller said.
A representative from Belle Meade at River Oaks sent a statement reading:
Our staff is aware of the unfortunate incident that took place on Dec. 16 between an Amazon delivery driver and two residents. The actions of third parties do not, in any way, reflect the values of Belle Meade at River Oaks. We care deeply about creating a hospitable environment and safety of all residents, guests, employees and service providers.
The Belle Meade at River Oaks policy is that all packages and parcels are to be delivered to the concierge desk. To the best of our understanding, a resident mistakenly allowed the Amazon delivery driver onto a restricted-access elevator and a resident hallway within the building, where the event took place.
At this time, we are exploring all options and fully cooperating with the Houston Police Department. Due to the ongoing investigation, please direct all further inquiries to HPD.
“HPD is still in my opinion dragging their feet on the issue, just today the investigator reached out with no new information but wanted to ask me about my Amazon employment and basically verify that I actually work there,” Miller said.
The Houston Police Department said its Major Assaults Division is investigating and are currently working to identify the woman accused of the physical assault. It will be up to the District Attorney’s Office to file charges. Anyone with any information is asked to call police.
Miller said it was a doorman who eventually deescalated the situation. When KPRC 2 asked the building representative if an eviction could follow this incident, we were told it all depends on the outcome of the investigation.
