An Amazon delivery driver has been filmed punching a 71-year-old man to the ground at a California petrol station following a dispute over a parking space. Surveillance footage released by police in Elk Grove shows Terrence Wheeler, 30, following the older man into the shop before striking him in the head with enough force to send him flying to the ground, in an incident that has raised questions about screening and accountability for delivery contractors working with Amazon.

The attack occurred in March at an Arco petrol station, after Wheeler became enraged when the elderly man parked in a spot he wanted. Wheeler was identified and surrendered to police the same day, and now faces charges including felony elder abuse, criminal threats and misdemeanour battery. The victim, an auditor who inspects agricultural and animal facilities and had recently returned to work after a heart attack and pacemaker fitting in 2024, is said to still be suffering from a concussion and neck pain. His attorney, Tony Buzbee, is seeking $10 million (£7.9 million) in damages from both Wheeler and Amazon, though Amazon says Wheeler worked for an independent contractor rather than the company directly, and that the contractor dropped him once it learned of the incident.