An Amazon delivery driver, overwhelmed by stress, abandoned over 80 Christmas packages on the side of a road in Lakeville, Massachusetts.
Local police discovered the packages early Sunday morning, potentially salvaging the holiday for numerous residents in the area.
At approximately 2 a.m. on Sunday, a Lakeville Police sergeant noticed three large Amazon bags on the side of the road during a routine patrol. Upon inspection, the bags contained dozens of carefully placed packages, totaling over 80 items.
Initially, police found no evidence of theft or a reported heist involving an Amazon delivery truck. Unsure of what had transpired, they transported the packages to the station for safekeeping and contacted the nearest Amazon distribution center to arrange for their return.
🚨#BREAKING Police are investigating after An Amazon driver abandoned about 80 packages on the side of the road during holiday shipping rush because they were stressed⁰⁰📌#Lakeville | #Massachusetts⁰⁰Police in Lakeville, Massachusetts, were patrolling around 2 a.m. when they… pic.twitter.com/tZWw1pqLGv
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) December 26, 2024
The mystery unraveled the following day when an Amazon delivery driver came forward to admit responsibility. The driver confessed to abandoning the packages during their Saturday evening route, citing extreme stress as the reason for their actions.
Rather than pursue criminal charges, Lakeville Police chose to treat the incident as a workplace matter.
“At this time, we are not seeking criminal charges and are considering this a human resources matter for Amazon,” Police Chief Matthew Perkins stated.
Perkins praised the quick actions of Sgt. Shawn Robert, who discovered the packages. “Sgt. Robert likely saved a Christmas headache for many local residents by noticing these totes and getting them back to Amazon, hopefully in time for holiday delivery,” he added.
Amazon has not publicly commented on the specific incident, but it is likely handling the situation internally. The company faces additional challenges during the peak holiday season, including a nationwide strike by warehouse workers.
On Thursday, Amazon drivers and warehouse staff in four states initiated a strike, calling for improved working conditions and pay. Despite the disruption, Amazon assured customers that most holiday deliveries would remain unaffected. The striking Teamsters union represents only about 1% of Amazon’s workforce, limiting the overall impact.
A spokesperson for Amazon highlighted recent improvements in compensation, noting that the company raised its starting minimum wage for warehouse workers and drivers by 20%. The average pay for these roles now stands at $22 per hour.
The abandoned packages in Lakeville underscore the mounting pressures faced by delivery drivers during the holiday season. The incident also draws attention to broader challenges within the gig economy, where workers often juggle demanding schedules and intense workloads with little room for error.
The timing of the incident aligns with a period of heightened scrutiny on Amazon’s labor practices. The company gained immense influence during the COVID-19 pandemic, as its services became a lifeline for millions of consumers. However, its rapid growth has also been accompanied by criticism over working conditions, particularly in its warehouses and delivery network.
The incident also occurs against a politically charged backdrop. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who has historically leaned liberal through his ownership of The Washington Post, has taken steps to bridge political divides. Bezos made a $1 million donation to former President Donald Trump’s 2024 inauguration fund and was recently seen dining with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
Internal polling within the Teamsters union revealed that a majority of its members supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election, adding a layer of complexity to the labor disputes involving Amazon.
While the Lakeville incident was resolved without major repercussions, it serves as a reminder of the logistical and emotional strain placed on delivery workers during the holidays. For many customers, the quick action by local police ensured that Christmas gifts would arrive on time, salvaging what could have been a disappointing holiday season.
For Amazon, the incident highlights the importance of addressing employee stress and ensuring adequate support during its busiest time of the year. As the company continues to grow, balancing efficiency with employee well-being will remain a critical challenge.