Key Takeaways
- A violent incident occurred at Emerald Dental in Lakewood, Colorado, when an Amazon delivery driver attacked a staff member.
- The driver, identified as 31-year-old Michael Coleman, has been arrested and faces charges including sexual assault and assault.
- The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of delivery personnel and the need for thorough background checks.
- The victim’s employer, dentist Stephanie Paswaters, is speaking out to warn others to be cautious when interacting with delivery personnel.
- Amazon has cooperated with the investigation and has removed the driver from their delivery roster.
Introduction to the Incident
When a blue Amazon truck pulled up outside Emerald Dental in Lakewood on a Monday afternoon, no one thought twice about letting the driver inside. The dentist and owner of the practice, Stephanie Paswaters, was at work, tending to a patient with a toothache. However, what should have been a routine package delivery turned violent, leaving the staff and patients shaken. Paswaters recalled hearing screaming and cries for help, and when she ran to the front of the office, she saw a staff member on the ground and the Amazon driver attacking her employee.
The Attack and Response
The driver, later identified as 31-year-old Michael Coleman, was punching the staff member relentlessly, according to Paswaters. She did not hear any voices or words, just the sound of the attack. Fortunately, another employee and two patients jumped in to help, and together, they were able to pin Coleman to the ground until police arrived. Paswaters believes that if they had not intervened, the situation could have been much worse, and the staff member could have been killed. The Lakewood Police Department alleges that Coleman also attempted to sexually assault the employee, and he now faces several charges, including sexual assault and assault.
Investigation and Aftermath
The Lakewood Police Department has arrested Coleman and is investigating the incident. CBS Colorado found no criminal history for Coleman in Colorado, which has raised questions about the background check process for Amazon delivery drivers. Paswaters is questioning how this could have happened and whether Amazon had conducted a thorough background check on Coleman. She hopes that her experience will serve as a warning to others to always be cautious when interacting with delivery personnel. By speaking out, Paswaters aims to raise awareness about the importance of safety and security in the workplace.
Amazon’s Response
In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson said that the allegations are being taken seriously and that the company is cooperating fully with law enforcement in their investigation. The spokesperson also confirmed that Coleman is no longer delivering packages to Amazon customers. While Amazon’s response is a step in the right direction, it may not be enough to alleviate the concerns of Paswaters and others who are questioning the company’s hiring and background check processes. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more information will come to light about the incident and the measures that Amazon has in place to ensure the safety and security of its customers and employees.
Conclusion and Reflection
The incident at Emerald Dental has left a lasting impact on Paswaters and her staff, and it has raised important questions about the safety and security of delivery personnel. Paswaters has said that she is now second-guessing everything and is no longer giving people the benefit of the doubt. The incident has also highlighted the importance of being cautious and vigilant when interacting with strangers, even in a professional setting. As the community comes to terms with what happened, it is essential to remember the importance of prioritizing safety and security in all aspects of life. By sharing her story, Paswaters hopes to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future and to encourage others to be more aware of their surroundings and the people they interact with.
