Sketch Released Of Man Who Sexually Assaulted DoorDash Driver In Tampa

TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Police Department has released a composite image of the man wanted in connection with a kidnapping and sexual battery that occurred Tuesday night.

Just after 11 p.m., a woman in her early 20s attempted to make a DoorDash delivery to the Residence Inn, 4312 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa.

While walking up to the hotel to make the delivery, the woman was approached by a man armed with a gun, who forced her back into her car.

At the time, the woman had AirPods in her ears and an open line with her girlfriend, who quickly realized that a robbery was occurring. The girlfriend and the victim's family called police who were dispatched to the hotel.

However, before they arrived, the attacker forced the victim at gunpoint to drive to the Belara Lakes Apartments, 8402 N. Waterford Ave., where he sexually battered her.

The woman's family, who had been tracking her phone, arrived at the apartment complex and rescued her from the car.

Her attacker fired multiple rounds at the family members, striking one person, before fleeing the scene.

The woman and the injured family member were taken to the hospital.

The attacker is described as Black, in his late 20s or early 30s, about 6 feet 2 inches tall with a thin build and facial hair. He was wearing a blue, long-sleeved shirt or hoodie and black pants.

"It is clear this suspect has no regard for human life," said Interim Police Chief Lee Bercaw. "Detectives are actively gathering evidence in an effort to quickly identify and apprehend him. I am urging anyone who may have seen or heard something nearby to please call us with those details, no matter how minimal they may seem to be. It could be the information we need to arrest this criminal before he's able to hurt another member of our community."

The victims were able to provide detailed information for a composite sketch.

"We are appalled by this heinous and abhorrent crime," said DoorDash spokesman Julian Crowley in a statement to Patch. "No one should ever have to endure something as horrific as this, and we’re here to support the Dasher in any way we can."

Crowley said the food delivery service has reached out to the Tampa Police Department to assist the investigation, "and we hope the perpetrator is brought to justice."

DoorDash said safety is its top priority, "and we’re constantly working to help keep Dashers safe before, during and after every dash."

Safety precautions used by the company include:

• Safety Reassurance Call: If a Dasher feels unsafe, he or she can quickly connect with an ADT agent directly through the app. ADT will remain on the line until the Dasher feels safe, and escalate to 911 if needed.
• Emergency Assistance Button: Dashers can easily swipe a button in SafeDash, prompting ADT to contact 911 on the Dasher’s behalf. ADT can share critical information with emergency services and discreetly remain in touch with the Dasher via text message.
• SafeDash Check-In: If we detect that a dash is taking longer than expected, we’ll automatically check in to see if the Dashers is OK. If they take a long time to respond or feel unsafe, an ADT safety agent will call them and escalate to 911 if necessary.
• Safety Reporting: If a customer makes a Dasher feel unsafe, the Dasher can immediately report it via an in-app chat or call for an investigation. The Dasher can also block future deliveries made to that customer.
• Every U.S. Dasher is covered by the company's industry-leading occupational accident insurance at no cost to the Dasher and with no opt-in required if the Dasher is injured while on the job.
• DoorDash has a dedicated 24/7 Trust & Safety Team that investigates safety incidents and takes all appropriate actions, including reaching out to those involved, providing support and resolutions, and engaging with law enforcement.

Anyone with information on Tuesday's attack is asked to contact Tampa police by calling 813-231-6130 or share a tip via Tip411, which is accessible through the TampaPD app.

Those who wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward can contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay by calling 1-800-873-TIPS (8477), visiting the website or using the free Crime Stoppers mobile app and selecting "Tampa."