Police: Pizza delivery drivers being targeted

LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) - Lawrence police have a warning for pizza delivery drivers. They say several suspects are targeting delivery drivers and robbing them at gunpoint.

On at least two occasions the suspects have called in pizza orders with the same delivery address. But instead of running into satisfied customers, they are running into robbers.

The first incident happened on November 8. Papa Johns Pizza at Fox and Oaklandon received an order for pizzas to the 12500 block of Teacup Way.

At about 8:30 p.m. while making that delivery, the driver says, two black males approached the driver pointed a semi-automatic handgun at him and demanded money.

Just two days later, November 10, a Hungry Howie’s Pizza delivery driver reported a similar incident, but this time more violent. That driver told police she had knocked on the door and the residents said they didn’t order the pizza.

She said that on her way back to the car four black males approached her, put a silver pistol to her head and demanded money. According to the driver, she gave them her money and they took the pizzas but not before hitting her in the head with the gun and knocking her to the ground.

Detectives learned during their investigation that a similar order was placed at Marco’s Pizza and that the driver felt something was wrong when he pulled up to the delivery address, so he left. Police said that driver probably avoided another robbery

Lawrence Police Det. Gary Woodruff has some advice for delivery drivers.

“The basic security procedures should always be followed verified the correct address and all that, that address did order a pizza there and order product and if they believe there is something suspicious follow that instinct and go to a safe place and notify police immediately.”

Officers say they have leads, but still need help.

If you know anything about this case call Lawrence police or Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS.