This Christmas could have been a logistical nightmare for dozens of Massachusetts residents, but quick action by local police saved the day. An Amazon delivery driver reportedly dumped nearly 80 packages on the side of a road in Lakeville, about an hour south of Boston, citing “stress” as the reason for the surprising act.
An Amazon delivery driver dumped around 80 packages in a wooded area in Massachusetts just days before the holidays, police say. https://t.co/jTnaPrU99Q
— FOX 5 NY (@fox5ny) December 25, 2024
According to a statement from the Lakeville Police Department, the abandoned packages were discovered early Sunday morning by Sgt. Shawn Robert during a routine patrol. Neatly stacked in three Amazon delivery totes, the packages were found hidden in a wooded area. The discovery came just days before Christmas, during the peak of holiday shopping deliveries.
On Monday, the mystery was solved when the driver came forward to admit responsibility. The individual explained to officers that the incident happened during their Saturday evening shift and was caused by overwhelming stress. Police Chief Matthew Perkins noted that no criminal charges would be pursued, framing the matter as an internal issue for Amazon to handle.
“I would like to commend Sgt. Shawn Robert for his discovery of these unattended packages while on routine patrol,” said Chief Perkins. “Sgt. Robert likely saved a Christmas headache for many local residents by noticing these totes and getting them back to Amazon, hopefully in time for holiday delivery.”
While the abandoned packages could have caused major delays, the intervention ensured that the deliveries could still reach their intended recipients before Christmas Day. The situation highlights the immense pressure delivery workers face during the holidays, as well as the importance of vigilance from law enforcement in safeguarding local communities.
Amazon has not yet commented on the driver’s future with the company, but the incident underscores the need for companies to address worker stress during the holiday season. For Lakeville residents, however, the prompt action of local police brought an otherwise Grinch-like episode to a heartwarming resolution.
