ELK GROVE, Calif. — A dispute over a parking spot at an Elk Grove gas station allegedly escalated into a violent confrontation when an Amazon delivery driver attacked a 71-year-old man, according to surveillance footage and the victim’s attorney.
The incident reportedly happened on March 30 at an ARCO Gas Station in Elk Grove, California.
Video shared by attorney Tony Buzbee appears to show a man wearing an Amazon jacket confronting the elderly victim inside the gas station. The confrontation quickly became aggressive, with the man allegedly threatening to “beat [his] a–” before striking the victim.
The footage reportedly captures the moment the elderly man is punched from behind and knocked to the ground.
What began as an argument over where someone parked a vehicle has now turned into both a criminal case and a civil lawsuit.
Driver Accused of Sucker-Punching Elderly Man
The suspect has been identified as Terrence Wheeler, 30, of Antioch, according to reports. Wheeler faces charges connected to the confrontation, including felony elder abuse, felony criminal threats and misdemeanor battery.
The victim’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, described the alleged attack as an extremely aggressive response to what he said was a dispute over a parking space.
The elderly man reportedly suffered injuries following the incident and required medical treatment for neck pain and a concussion.
Buzbee has also claimed that Wheeler has a history of violence, although those claims have not been established as facts in the current case.
Attorney Calls for More Screening and Training
Buzbee has criticized the delivery company’s hiring and training practices following the incident.
“We believe the Amazon driver has a history of violence,” Buzbee said.
He argued that delivery workers should be carefully screened and trained before being placed in positions where they interact with members of the public.
“Amazon delivery folks must be carefully screened and trained. Amazon must do better in the hiring process. When Amazon fails, like here, it must be held accountable,” Buzbee said.
The victim has filed a civil lawsuit against both Wheeler and Amazon, according to his attorney.
Buzbee said the case against Amazon has been filed in the Superior Court of California, Sacramento County.
Amazon Says Driver Was Not Its Employee
Amazon has pushed back on the characterization of Wheeler as one of its direct employees.
An Amazon spokesperson said the man involved in the incident was not an employee of Amazon. Instead, he worked for an independent contractor responsible for handling package deliveries for the company.
Amazon investigated the incident and provided its findings to the third-party company. The company also took action against Wheeler following the investigation.
Amazon said Wheeler was banned from delivering Amazon packages, meaning he is no longer permitted to make deliveries for the company.
Investigation and Lawsuit Continue
The surveillance footage has brought renewed attention to the confrontation, showing how quickly an argument over a seemingly ordinary parking issue allegedly turned into a physical attack.
The criminal charges against Wheeler will now proceed separately from the victim’s civil lawsuit.
The elderly man’s attorney is seeking accountability for the injuries his client allegedly suffered, while Amazon maintains that Wheeler was employed by an independent contractor rather than directly by the company.
The case also highlights how an everyday dispute can escalate unexpectedly, particularly when an argument becomes physical.
For the 71-year-old victim, the encounter reportedly resulted in a concussion, neck pain and a legal battle that continues months after the alleged attack.
What do you think about the alleged attack over a parking spot? Should delivery companies face greater responsibility for the conduct of independent contractors? Share your thoughts in the comments.