Arrest Made In Kidnapping, Sexual Assault of DoorDash Driver In Tampa

TAMPA, FL — Tampa police say they've identified and arrested a man they believe is responsible for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a DoorDash driver at gunpoint on Tuesday, April 18.

Police have charged 38-year-old Joseph Thomas Killins, no address, with armed kidnapping and sexual battery. He has also been charged with a robbery that took place in the early morning of April 19 shortly after the DoorDash driver was attacked, police said.

"This criminal is now off the streets thanks to the tireless efforts of every Tampa Police Department employee and the assistance provided by members of our community," said Interim Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. "My thoughts remain with the victims. I hope this arrest brings them a sense of comfort, knowing that he will now face justice for the crimes he chose to commit."

"We’re grateful to Tampa police for their work to hold the perpetrator accountable, and we strongly hope justice is ultimately served," said DoorDash spokesman in a statement to Patch. "We will continue to support the Dasher in any way we can and stand ready to further assist law enforcement if helpful."

Related: Sketch Released Of Man Who Sexually Assaulted DoorDash Driver In Tampa

Just after 11 p.m. on Tuesday, a woman in her 20s who worked as a DoorDash delivery driver was making a delivery to the Residence Inn, 4312 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, when a man confronted her at gunpoint, forced her back into her car and made her drive to the Belara Lakes Apartment complex at 8402 N Waterford Ave. in northwest Tampa where he sexually battered her, police said.

At the time that the DoorDash driver was attacked, she was wearing ear buds and talking to a girlfriend on her cell phone. The girlfriend heard what was happening and contacted the police and the DoorDash driver's family.

While Tampa police headed to the Residence Inn after receiving word from dispatchers that the DoorDash employee was being attacked there, the victim's friends and family tracked her phone to the apartment complex and drove there to rescue her.

They found her in her car where she'd been assaulted. As they were coming to her aid, her attacker began shooting at them, striking one family member before fleeing the scene.

Both the DoorDash driver and the relative who was shot were taken to the hospital where they are expected to recover.

In the early-morning hours of Wednesday, a robber matching the description of the DoorDash driver's attacker robbed a woman in her 40s in the same apartment complex. Police said he threw the woman to the ground before punching her and stealing her backpack. He was seen fleeing toward the Haven Waters Edge Apartment complex.

Detectives working both cases compared notes as they continued to gather evidence and interview witnesses, said Bercaw. Their investigation led them to the Tampa Inn at 2901 E Busch Blvd. where they arrested Killins Friday night.

During an interview, Bercaw said Killins revealed details of the attack on the DoorDash driver that only the attacker could have known.

Killins has been charged with armed kidnapping, robbery with a firearm, armed
sexual battery and aggravated battery with a weapon in the attack of the DoorDash driver. He's also been charged with robbery in the attack of the woman at the apartment complex. He is currently being held at the Orient Road Jail without bail.