A routine food pickup turned into a violent scare for a DoorDash worker on Wednesday, when police say the driver was carjacked at gunpoint in the parking lot of a Chili’s on the 4600 block of Poplar Avenue in Memphis. Investigators say the suspect took off in the victim’s vehicle and dragged the driver about 40 feet toward the entrance of the lot before the worker was finally able to break free.
Officers later tracked the stolen vehicle to a Shell station on East Holmes Road, where they say they found it parked and arrested a man at the scene.
Police identify suspect and weapon
According to WREG, Memphis police identified 56-year-old Bobby Brooks as the suspect and say he pointed a black handgun at the delivery worker during the carjacking. Police told the outlet that the victim later picked Brooks out of a lineup.
Officers also told WREG they saw Brooks coming out of the recovered vehicle with the keys in his hand. Authorities say the victim clung to the car as it sped away and was dragged across the parking lot before managing to get clear.
Delivery workers' safety under scrutiny
The attack has added to growing concerns about the safety of delivery drivers in Memphis. Earlier this year, a DoorDash driver was robbed and had a vehicle stolen while making a delivery, as reported by Action News 5.
Local delivery workers and advocacy groups have been pushing for increased patrols and clearer safety guidance from delivery platforms, arguing that pickup spots and curbside waits can be especially vulnerable moments. Law enforcement officials say tips from the community often make the difference in catching suspects and preventing similar attacks from becoming a pattern.
Charges and arrest details
Memphis police told WREG that Brooks faces a carjacking charge. He is also accused of being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun and has been charged with possession of a firearm as a dangerous felony.
Officers estimated roughly $3,000 in damage to the stolen vehicle. Police said Brooks' bond status had not been set at the time of the report, and detectives are still investigating. Anyone with information is urged to contact Memphis police or Crime Stoppers.
What drivers can do now
Police and local outlets are reminding delivery workers to stay alert, park where exits are clear when possible, and report suspicious people or vehicles immediately. Investigators say tips from witnesses and surveillance video can be crucial, and they are again asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Memphis police.
