A FedEx driver, using a legally registered firearm, fatally shot an armed robber during a confrontation in Northeast Philadelphia, authorities announced Wednesday.
The 32-year-old driver, identified by police as the victim, was delivering a package on the 600 block of Unruh Avenue on Tuesday night when an armed assailant approached him, stole his wallet and keys, and shot him, said Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith.
In response, the driver fired back, hitting 27-year-old Jevan Lundy multiple times, Smith added.
Police later discovered Lundy unresponsive on the 1400 block of Creston Street. Alongside him, they recovered the driver’s FedEx ID card. Lundy was transported to Einstein Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities also located another individual with Lundy and searched the man’s car, believed to have been used to transport Lundy from the scene. Bullet casings were found inside the vehicle. While the individual was taken in for questioning, it remained unclear if any charges would be filed against him.
“He’s cooperating but denies involvement in the robbery,” Smith explained.
Meanwhile, the driver managed to leave the scene but was later found slumped over his truck’s steering wheel in an Acme parking lot on the 6600 block of Oxford Avenue, suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He informed police that he had fired his weapon during the incident. Officers recovered his legally registered 9mm handgun inside the truck, and the driver was confirmed to have a valid permit to carry.
Acting Police Commissioner Christine Coulter commented, “Based on the initial details, this appears to be a case of self-defense. He was shot first and returned fire.”
Neighbor Margie Helverson described the driver as a “kind man,” adding, “He always rings the doorbell to let you know there’s a package. I’m praying for his recovery.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, light truck or delivery service drivers faced 50 nonfatal attacks in 2018, alongside two fatal incidents that year.
A FedEx representative declined to disclose the company’s stance on armed drivers, stating only that, “The safety of our team members and service providers is our top priority, and we are fully cooperating with authorities in their investigation.”