DoorDash Driver Faces Felony Charges for Allegedly Spraying Food: A 2026 Update on Food Delivery Crime
The world of on-demand food delivery, dominated by platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, has seen explosive growth in recent years. However, this convenience comes with a dark side, as evidenced by a disturbing case in Evansville, Indiana. A DoorDash driver, Kourtney Stevenson, is facing felony charges for allegedly tampering with a customer’s food, causing them to experience severe physical reactions. This incident, initially reported in December 2023, highlights growing concerns about safety and accountability within the gig economy and raises questions about the future of food delivery security. This article provides a comprehensive update on the case, exploring the legal ramifications, the response from DoorDash, and the broader implications for the industry as we move into 2026.
The Incident: A Poisonous Delivery
On December 7th, 2023, a couple in Evansville, Indiana, contacted the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office after experiencing a burning sensation in their mouth, nose, throat, and stomach, followed by vomiting, after consuming fast food ordered through DoorDash. The couple immediately suspected something was wrong, noticing a red substance sprayed on the delivery bag. Their doorbell camera footage provided crucial evidence.
According to the sheriff’s department, the footage clearly shows Stevenson, after completing the delivery and taking the required photo, spraying a substance from a small aerosol can attached to her keychain towards the food. This act allegedly caused the severe reaction in the customers. The substance has since been identified as pepper spray.
Initial Investigation and Stevenson’s Explanation
Detectives quickly identified Stevenson, a Kentucky resident working for DoorDash while visiting her father. In a phone call with local police, Stevenson claimed she used the pepper spray to eliminate a spider. However, investigators found this explanation dubious. Given the overnight low temperature of 35 degrees Fahrenheit, they argued that outdoor spiders in Indiana would be inactive and unlikely to be crawling on exposed surfaces. This inconsistency further fueled suspicion.
Legal Ramifications and Charges
Stevenson initially declined to cooperate with an in-person interview. This led detectives to obtain a warrant for her arrest on charges of battery resulting in moderate injury and consumer product tampering. These are serious felony charges, carrying potentially significant penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. As of late 2025, Stevenson is awaiting extradition to Indiana to face trial. Legal experts predict a complex case, focusing on intent and the severity of the harm caused to the victims. The prosecution will likely emphasize the deliberate nature of the act, as evidenced by the doorbell camera footage.
The Role of Consumer Product Tampering Laws
The charge of consumer product tampering is particularly significant. Federal and state laws strictly prohibit intentionally contaminating consumer products, recognizing the potential for widespread harm. In 2026, with increasing concerns about food safety and supply chain security, these laws are being more rigorously enforced. The Stevenson case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of such actions.
DoorDash’s Response and Platform Accountability
DoorDash responded swiftly to the allegations, issuing a statement condemning the driver’s behavior. A spokesperson stated that Stevenson has been permanently banned from the platform, emphasizing a “zero tolerance” policy for such appalling conduct. The company also pledged full cooperation with law enforcement in their investigation.
However, the incident has sparked a broader debate about the responsibility of gig economy platforms like DoorDash to ensure the safety of their customers. Critics argue that platforms should implement more robust screening processes for drivers, including background checks and psychological evaluations. Furthermore, they advocate for enhanced monitoring systems to detect and prevent potential misconduct.
Enhanced Safety Measures in 2026
By 2026, DoorDash and its competitors have begun implementing several new safety measures, driven by public pressure and regulatory scrutiny. These include:
- Real-time Delivery Tracking with Anomaly Detection: Utilizing AI to identify unusual delivery patterns that might indicate tampering.
- Enhanced Driver Background Checks: Moving beyond basic criminal history checks to include more comprehensive screening processes.
- Customer Feedback and Reporting Systems: Streamlining the process for customers to report suspicious activity or concerns.
- Tamper-Evident Packaging: Piloting programs using packaging designed to clearly indicate if it has been opened or tampered with.
- Driver Education Programs: Mandatory training for drivers on safety protocols and ethical conduct.
The Broader Implications for the Gig Economy
The Stevenson case is not an isolated incident. There have been numerous reports of delivery drivers engaging in inappropriate or even criminal behavior, ranging from theft to harassment. These incidents raise fundamental questions about the nature of the gig economy and the challenges of managing a workforce comprised of independent contractors.
The Rise of “Deplatforming” and its Legal Challenges
DoorDash’s decision to permanently ban Stevenson from the platform highlights the growing trend of “deplatforming” – removing individuals from online platforms due to violations of terms of service. However, deplatforming raises complex legal issues, particularly regarding due process and freedom of speech. In 2026, several lawsuits are challenging the legality of deplatforming practices, arguing that platforms should provide greater transparency and opportunities for appeal.
The Impact of AI and Automation
Looking ahead, the increasing adoption of AI and automation in the food delivery industry could potentially mitigate some of these risks. The development of autonomous delivery vehicles, for example, could eliminate the human element altogether, reducing the potential for malicious intent. However, even with automation, security concerns will remain, as autonomous systems are also vulnerable to hacking and tampering. GearTech’s Disrupt 2026 conference will feature several sessions dedicated to the future of autonomous delivery and the associated security challenges.
The Future of Food Delivery Security
The DoorDash driver case serves as a wake-up call for the food delivery industry. Ensuring the safety and security of customers requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing stricter driver screening, enhanced monitoring systems, tamper-evident packaging, and ongoing investment in safety technologies. As the gig economy continues to evolve, platforms like DoorDash must prioritize accountability and transparency to maintain public trust. The incident also underscores the importance of robust legal frameworks to address the unique challenges posed by this rapidly growing sector. The events of 2023 and the subsequent developments leading into 2026 demonstrate that the convenience of on-demand delivery must not come at the expense of consumer safety.
The industry is at a critical juncture, and the choices made today will shape the future of food delivery for years to come.
Join the Disrupt 2026 Waitlist
Add yourself to the Disrupt 2026 waitlist to be first in line when Early Bird tickets drop. Past Disrupts have brought Google Cloud, Netflix, Microsoft, Box, Phia, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Hugging Face, Elad Gil, and Vinod Khosla to the stages — part of 250+ industry leaders driving 200+ sessions built to fuel your growth and sharpen your edge. Plus, meet the hundreds of startups innovating across every sector.
San Francisco | October 13-15, 2026
WAITLIST NOW