Delivery driver attacks officer at Vanderbilt University over traffic jam, police say
The driver allegedly hit an officer with their car and got out and attacked them.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A routine morning on Vanderbilt University’s campus turned violent.
According to an arrest affidavit, 35-year-old Brandi Helton, a delivery driver for Amazon, allegedly assaulted a Metro Transportation Management officer on Tuesday. WSMV4 has learned that Helton was a driver through Amazon Flex, a service that allows people to work as independent contractors to deliver Amazon packages using their own vehicles.
Helton was reportedly instructed to stop on Garland Avenue due to ongoing construction in the area. The affidavit said that after a few minutes, she became impatient and drove through the intersection at 24th Avenue South, despite the officer’s commands to stop.
As she drove through, the affidavit said Helton struck the officer in the knee.
The officer shouted at her again to stop, and the affidavit said Helton reversed her car, got out and repeatedly punched the officer and struck her in the right side of the face with one punch.
Afterwards, Helton reportedly drove off, according to the affidavit.
Those in the area were shocked to learn what took place.
“I was because usually the cars are pretty nice and they will follow directions,” said Raquel, who works in the area. “A fist fight is pretty dramatic. Please be chill, be cautious of your surroundings and look for the pedestrians walking around.”
The Vanderbilt University Police Department was notified, and campus police eventually located Helton and arrested her.
Court documents claim that she admitted to punching the officer, but denies hitting them with her vehicle. Helton was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Tuesday afternoon. She posted bail and was released a few hours later.
The officer was taken to a local hospital and officials didn’t provide information on her condition.
Amazon confirmed to WSMV4 that they are aware of the incident and are cooperating with authorities. Helton is no longer eligible to deliver packages through the Amazon Flex program.
Helton is set to appear in court next month.
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