A DoorDash delivery in Evansville, Indiana has turned into a felony investigation after a woman was accused of spraying a substance onto a customer’s food—an incident authorities say left two people violently ill.
According to a press release from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were contacted on December 7 by a man who reported that he and his wife became sick shortly after eating fast food they had ordered through DoorDash. The couple allegedly vomited and felt an intense burning sensation affecting their mouths, noses, throats, and stomachs.
The man later said he noticed something unusual on the delivered order before they ate: a red substance that appeared to have been sprayed onto the outside of the delivery bag. Concerned, he reviewed footage from the home’s doorbell camera. Investigators say the video shows the delivery driver dropping off the food, taking the required photo, and then seemingly spraying something in the direction of the order using a small aerosol can attached to a keychain.
Detectives reportedly used DoorDash records to identify the driver as Kourtney Stevenson of Kentucky. Authorities say Stevenson told local police by phone that she had been working for DoorDash while visiting her father and claimed she used pepper spray to deal with a spider. However, the sheriff’s office disputed that explanation, noting that with nighttime temperatures around 35 degrees Fahrenheit, outdoor spiders in Indiana would not typically be active or crawling on exposed surfaces.
When Stevenson allegedly refused to come in for an interview, detectives obtained an arrest warrant. She now faces charges of battery resulting in moderate injury and consumer product tampering. Authorities said she is awaiting extradition to Indiana.
DoorDash also responded, saying Stevenson has been permanently removed from the platform. A company spokesperson called the allegations appalling and said the company has zero tolerance for such conduct, adding that the company is cooperating with law enforcement.
Reports also indicate it is not yet clear whether Stevenson has legal representation who can speak on her behalf.
