A routine delivery turned into a harrowing ordeal for an Amazon driver in Riviera Beach when a woman allegedly forced him to drive away at what he believed was gunpoint. The incident unfolded when the driver stopped his vehicle after discovering a nail in one of the rear tires, only to return and find an uninvited passenger had entered the delivery vehicle.
Dyshiema R. Mims, 39, was arrested Wednesday and charged with kidnapping, burglary of a structure or conveyance while armed, and criminal mischief, according to WPBF 25 News. The driver reportedly told police he had asked Mims multiple times to exit the vehicle, but when he got back in, she allegedly told him to "Go, go, go" while making a gun gesture with her hand underneath her dress, leaving him in fear for his safety.
The incident, which took place in Riviera Beach, was captured on the driver's cell phone, providing key evidence in the case. According to CBS12 News, "The arrest report stated that the video shows the driver pleading with Mims, repeatedly asking, 'You got a gun?' while her hand remained hidden underneath her dress."
The ordeal came to an end when the driver reached the 700 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where a passing motorist in a gray truck stopped to check if everything was okay. This intervention prompted Mims to exit the vehicle, as reported by the Riviera Beach Police Department. After Mims left the vehicle, the driver called 911, but not before Mims reportedly threw a rock at the delivery vehicle, causing damage.
Conflicting Accounts
While the Amazon driver's account paints a clear picture of a frightening kidnapping scenario, Mims offered a different version of events. She claimed to police that the driver had picked her up knowing she was a sex worker and drug user, and further alleged he had assaulted her, as detailed by CBS12. However, authorities noted her statements were inconsistent and unsupported by evidence following their investigation.
Police detained Mims shortly after the incident, and the victim was able to positively identify her in a lineup, leading to her arrest. The Riviera Beach Police Department confirmed that Mims is currently being held in the Palm Beach County Jail on $15,000 bond, according to multiple news sources.
Rising Concerns for Delivery Worker Safety
This incident highlights growing safety concerns for delivery drivers in South Florida. In January 2024, Tommie Anderson III, a 33-year-old Domino's pizza delivery driver from Riviera Beach, was fatally shot while making a delivery in West Palm Beach, as reported by WPTV. That tragic case resulted in three arrests on first-degree murder charges.
Delivery driver safety issues extend beyond Palm Beach County, with similar incidents reported across Florida. In December 2024, an Amazon delivery driver in Fort Lauderdale was stabbed and robbed after experiencing a flat tire, according to Hoodline. In that case, a 33-year-old suspect was arrested on charges including attempted murder and armed carjacking.
Crime Trends in Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach faces significant crime challenges compared to surrounding areas. The city has one of the highest crime rates in America relative to its population size, with residents facing a 1 in 25 chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime, according to data from NeighborhoodScout. Their analysis shows that more than 97% of Florida communities have lower crime rates than Riviera Beach.
The incident location on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near Avenue S falls within an area known to local law enforcement for various criminal activities. Looking at broader trends, theft remains the most common crime in Palm Beach County, making up about 21% of all crimes, while shootings represent approximately 52% of violent crimes in the county, as reported by SpotCrime analytics.
Legal Implications
The charges against Mims carry serious potential consequences under Florida law. Kidnapping is a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison, while armed burglary is also a first-degree felony carrying a minimum mandatory sentence if convicted. The criminal mischief charge is likely a misdemeanor based on the reported damage to the vehicle.
Florida Statute 787.01 defines kidnapping as "forcibly, secretly, or by threat confining, abducting, or imprisoning another person against her or his will," which prosecutors will need to prove beyond reasonable doubt. The fact that the driver recorded part of the incident on his phone may provide crucial evidence for the prosecution's case.
As the case moves through the legal system, both the driver and Mims will have opportunities to present their accounts in court. The conflicting versions of events will likely be central to the proceedings, with video evidence playing a key role in determining the outcome.
