HOUSTON — A delivery driver posted a video to social media where she said she was assaulted by two residents while trying to drop off a package at a luxury apartment building in River Oaks.
Jamaiya Miller is an Amazon delivery partner. She said she was out on a delivery on December 16 at the Belle Meade at River Oaks. When she arrived, she said a resident let her in and when she got out on the floor where her package was supposed to be delivered, that same woman told heR she wasn’t supposed to be there. Then another woman on that floor approached her and that’s when she said she was assaulted.
"She was hitting me with her phone, making all sorts of claims, and she was also literally preventing me from going anywhere," Miller said.
The woman in the video is heard saying, “We’ve had thieves here and you’re a thief.”
Then you can see her push Miller as Miller is heard telling the woman, “Please don’t touch me.”
“It was the scariest thing because I didn't know how it was going to end,” Miller said. "It just looked like such a wild scene with me, the black woman, with these two rich white ladies. So honestly, that was the most terrifying part, is the lengths at which they were willing to go physically assaulting me.”
Miller said a doorman eventually came up and de-escalated the situation and she was able to leave and call 911. The Houston Police Department confirmed it's investigating the incident.
The Belle Meade at River Oaks sent KHOU 11 the following statement on the incident:
Our staff is aware of the unfortunate incident that took place on Dec. 16 between an Amazon delivery driver and two residents. The actions of third parties do not, in any way, reflect the values of Belle Meade at River Oaks. We care deeply about creating a hospitable environment and safety of all residents, guests, employees and service providers.
The Belle Meade at River Oaks policy is that all packages and parcels are to be delivered to the concierge desk. To the best of our understanding, a resident mistakenly allowed the Amazon delivery driver onto a restricted-access elevator and a resident hallway within the building, where the event took place.
At this time, we are exploring all options and fully cooperating with the Houston Police Department. Due to the ongoing investigation, please direct all further inquiries to HPD."
Miller said her delivery instructions said to deliver the package to a suite.
We also reached out to Amazon who sent the following statement:
“The events depicted in this video are concerning. We’re supporting the delivery partner and working with law enforcement as they investigate. We proactively communicate to drivers who deliver for Amazon that they are never required to make a delivery if they feel unsafe.”
Miller said she’s glad she handled the situation the way she did.
“Imagining myself hitting that old woman in the moment. Doesn’t make me feel good. Imagining if I had done that. Doesn't bring me a good feeling,” Miller said. “I'm glad I handled it the way that I did so that it is clear who the attacker was,"
Miller said she was wearing an Amazon vest while carrying the package she was supposed to deliver that day. Now, she doesn’t know if she wants to do deliveries again after the way she was treated.
According to HPD, the Major Assaults Division will speak to all parties involved and present the case to the District Attorney's Office.