A disturbing incident in Evansville, Indiana has put a national spotlight on food delivery safety after a DoorDash driver was accused of intentionally contaminating a customer’s takeout order with a chemical irritant, allegedly pepper spray, before handing it over.
What Happened?
On December 7, 2025, Mark and Mandy Cardin placed a late-night DoorDash order from Arby’s, expecting a routine delivery. But shortly after eating, Mandy began coughing violently, choking, and eventually vomiting — symptoms that alarmed the couple enough to review their doorbell camera footage.
The video shows the delivery driver — later identified as Kourtney Stevenson — placing the bag at the couple’s doorstep and taking the required confirmation photo for the DoorDash app. Immediately afterward, she appeared to reach into her jacket and spray the bag with a small canister before returning to her vehicle and leaving.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Initially, local law enforcement and DoorDash confirmed they were investigating the tampering event as a possible criminal act. Authorities later arrested Stevenson on suspicion of tampering with consumer products, a felony in Indiana.
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office labeled the incident “disturbing,” emphasizing that such an act is not something seen in everyday food delivery and would be taken very seriously.
Driver’s Explanation and Response
When questioned by authorities, Stevenson claimed she had sprayed the food bag because she saw a spider at the customer’s house and was trying to get rid of it. Law enforcement officials have publicly expressed skepticism about this explanation and are continuing to pursue the case.
Company Reaction
DoorDash responded quickly when the incident surfaced publicly. The company stated it has zero tolerance for this type of behavior and has permanently removed the driver from its platform. They also confirmed they are cooperating with law enforcement throughout the investigation.
Legal Consequences
Under Indiana law, tampering with consumer products — especially food — is treated as a serious offense. The charge Stevenson faces could result in significant penalties, including possible prison time and fines, if convicted.
Customer Perspective and Broader Safety Concerns
Mark Cardin, the affected customer, said the experience has made him rethink the safety of using delivery services. After analyzing the video and seeing an unknown substance sprayed onto the food, the couple became alarmed not just by the act itself but by the potential risks of undiscovered contamination.
The incident has prompted renewed discussion online and among consumer safety advocates about the importance of doorbell cameras and food safety awareness, particularly as app-based deliveries become an increasingly common part of daily life.
Why This Matters
This case highlights broader questions about the safety oversight of third-party delivery drivers, many of whom operate independently and outside direct employer supervision. While companies like DoorDash have policies and background checks, incidents like this underscore vulnerabilities in the system and the potential need for stronger protections and accountability.
