A DoorDash driver in Florida was kidnapped and sexually battered while making a delivery last week.
The victim, who was only identified as a Hispanic woman in her early 20s, was rescued by a family member who managed to track her down using her phone’s geolocation services.
Officers at the Tampa Police Department arrested Joseph Killins, 38, for the crimes. According to police, Killins approached the victim at gunpoint around 11.00pm on April 18 as she was making a DoorDash delivery to the Residence Inn in Tampa.
He forced the victim back into her car, and made her drive towards the Belara Lakes Apartments, a complex about 6.5 miles away from the hotel.
Killins then sexually battered the victim when they arrived at the apartment, police said.
However, the victim was wearing AirPods during the robbery, which she was using to speak to her girlfriend on the phone.
The victim’s girlfriend and other family members quickly realized what was happening and called 911. They then used her ‘find my phone’ app to track the victim, and followed her car to the apartment complex.
When a family member approached Killins, he fired at them multiple times, striking once, before running away.
Both the victim and her family member were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries, police said.
Authorities also believe Killins is responsible for another assault and robbery that happened just hours later on Wednesday morning.
The second robbery happened at the Haven Waters Edge Apartments. another complex adjacent to the one he forced the first victim to drive to.
The victim, identified as a Hispanic woman in her 40s, was punched and thrown to the ground by her assailant, who then made off with her backpack.
An investigation lead police to Killins, who was arrested on Friday night at the Tampa Inn. Police said they recovered ‘items related to the April 18 investigation’ during the arrest as well.
‘This criminal is now off the streets thanks to the tireless efforts of every Tampa Police Department employee and the assistance provided by members of our community,’ Tampa Police Interim Chief Lee Bercaw stated.
‘My thoughts remain with the victims. I hope this arrest brings them a sense of comfort knowing that he will now face justice for the crimes he chose to commit.’
Killins was charged with armed kidnapping, armed sexual battery, aggravated battery with a weapon, and robbery with a firearm. He faces an additional charge of robbery for incident the next morning.
He is currently being held at Orient Road Jail in Tampa.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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