California DoorDash Driver Accused of Spraying Irritant Onto Customer’s Food After Doorbell Camera Captures Disturbing Incident
CALIFORNIA — A DoorDash delivery driver is under investigation after doorbell camera footage reportedly captured the worker spraying an unknown irritant onto a customer’s food order, leading to illness and allegations of deliberate tampering, according to authorities.
Footage Shows Driver Spraying Substance on Bag
Police say the incident occurred on December 7, 2025, when a DoorDash customer, Mark Cardin, reviewed his doorbell camera footage after noticing something was wrong with the order.
Cardin reported that his wife began coughing, gasping, and eventually vomiting shortly after eating the delivered food. He immediately examined the bag and discovered a visible spray-like residue across the outside of the packaging, prompting him to check the recorded security footage.
According to police, the footage clearly shows the driver spraying what is believed to be an irritant substance onto the delivery bag before leaving it at the customer’s doorstep.
Customer Speaks Out About Illness and Suspicion
Cardin described the alarming moment his wife fell ill.
“As my wife got it and began to eat… I noticed her coughing and gasping, and she threw up,” he said. “Then I noticed the bag had been tampered with and had some kind of spray all over it, so I checked my footage from the doorbell camera.”
Authorities are now reviewing the footage and considering potential product tampering charges, which carry serious penalties under state law.
DoorDash Terminates Driver and Responds
DoorDash released a statement condemning the behavior and confirming that the driver has been permanently removed from the platform.
“We have absolutely zero tolerance for this type of appalling behavior,” the company said, adding that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation moves forward.
The victim’s family is awaiting toxicology analysis to determine what type of substance was sprayed and whether additional charges may apply.
Investigation Ongoing
Police say the case remains open, and further updates will be released as evidence is processed. The incident has also renewed concerns about food delivery safety, prompting DoorDash to remind customers and drivers of its tampering policies.
Stay with NapervilleLocal.com for updates on this developing story.
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