In a surprising incident just days before Christmas, an Amazon driver in Lakeville, Massachusetts, abandoned 80 packages in a wooded area, citing stress as the reason for their actions.
Discovery of the Packages
The abandoned packages were discovered early Sunday morning by a Lakeville police sergeant during a routine patrol near 63 Bedford Street. Upon investigation, the officer found three large totes filled with Amazon parcels, scattered across the woods.
The packages were brought to the Lakeville Police Department, and officers confirmed that no reports of stolen or misplaced items had been filed. They contacted a local Amazon distribution center in Middleborough, where the parcels were returned.
Amazon Driver Admits to the Incident
On Monday, the driver responsible for the abandoned packages visited the police department and admitted to leaving them on the roadside. The driver explained they were overwhelmed by stress and had intended to report the incident to their manager.
No Criminal Charges Filed
The Lakeville Police Department stated that they are not pursuing criminal charges against the driver. Instead, the matter is being treated as a human resources issue for Amazon to address internally.
Lakeville Police Chief Matthew Perkins commended his officers for their handling of the situation, stating:
“I am proud of the way our Lakeville Police officers handled and investigated this matter. At this time, we are not seeking criminal charges and are considering this a human resources matter for Amazon.”
Holiday Shipping Rush
The incident highlights the pressures faced by delivery drivers during the holiday season. With increased demand for timely deliveries, many drivers report feeling overwhelmed by the volume of packages.
While the incident disrupted some holiday plans, Amazon customers can be assured that the recovered packages were safely returned to the distribution center for delivery.
This serves as a reminder of the human challenges behind the convenience of online shopping, especially during the bustling holiday season.
