An Amazon delivery driver in the US delivered a package during a police standoff with an armed hostage-taker, with the dangerous exchange caught in a viral video.
The handoff happened last month but recent video of the delivery has spread widely, snagging over 6m views on TikTok.
In the clip, an Amazon delivery person clad in the company’s signature vest saunters past several police cars with the package in hand. But an officer intercepts him and takes the package from him before he can progress further to make his drop-off.
The driver then took a picture of the package to confirm its delivery before heading back out on his route.
“Oh my God,” remarks the individual recording off-camera. “In the midst of a standoff, he’s going to deliver his package,” the person added.
The delivery took place in Cary, North Carolina, where Swat team members reportedly engaged in an almost 24-hour standoff with an armed suspect, reported the New York Post.
The suspect reportedly barricaded himself along with his son, an 11-year old boy, in a local apartment complex.
The man later took his own life, reported local police, and the 11-year old was treated for a gunshot wound.
Commenters on TikTok were quick to joke about the absurdity of the delivery situation happening amid the deadly tragedy.
“Their slogan is, ‘rain, sleet, snow, or standoff’,’” wrote one user.
Another user wrote: “More scared of Jeff Bezos than getting taken out.”
Several Amazon employees chimed in that failure to deliver a package would result in termination.
“As an Amazon delivery driver, it was either deliver the package or get fired,” wrote one user.
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Others expressed disbelief that the Amazon employee had to endanger himself to ensure his paycheck.
“Dude isn’t paid enough to care about his safety,” commented a user.
Amazon has faced criticism in the past for overworking its delivery drivers.
Drivers have complained of poor working conditions, including 14-hour shifts and no bathroom breaks.
As part of a 2021 Guardian investigation, drivers have reported using bottles or cups to urinate in the van due to lack of bathroom access and pressure to meet delivery rates.
Amazon previously responded to such allegations, stating that drivers are given built-in breaks and a list of bathrooms available on their route.
“We’re proud to empower more than 2,000 delivery service partners around the country – small businesses that create thousands more jobs and offer a great work environment with pay of at least $15/hour, healthcare benefits, and paid time off,” said an Amazon spokesperson in an email to the Guardian.