HONOLULU, Hawaii – Uber Eats has taken action against one of its delivery drivers accused of a violent attack that left two elderly individuals injured. The company condemned the violence and expressed zero tolerance for such behavior on its platform, promptly removing the driver’s access to the app and offering assistance to law enforcement.
The incident occurred last week at 1671 Kalakaua Ave, where surveillance footage captured a man on a moped assaulting a 72-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man. The woman suffered a serious head injury, while the man sustained minor injuries. The assailant fled the scene, prompting the opening of a second-degree assault case.
Puni Wilcox, the property manager, recounted the harrowing experience of being attacked by the delivery driver after confronting him for parking in a reserved spot. She described how the driver became agitated and assaulted her and her partner, leading to her partner requiring surgery on his lower back. Despite the ordeal, Wilcox expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the community, highlighting the spirit of aloha prevailing through the challenges.
Wilcox emphasized the kindness and generosity of strangers, both locally and across the mainland, as they rallied around her and her partner during their recovery. While appreciative of the support, she requested privacy during this period to focus on caring for her partner.
The swift action taken by Uber Eats to address the incident underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring the safety of both its drivers and customers. The case remains unresolved, with authorities continuing their investigation into the assault. The community’s response serves as a reminder of the resilience and compassion that characterizes the spirit of aloha in Hawaii.