Spartanburg, South Carolina – An evening food delivery in Spartanburg turned violent when an Uber Eats driver was robbed at gunpoint and had his car stolen while attempting to complete an order at a local apartment complex. Police say the incident highlights ongoing safety risks faced by delivery drivers working at night.
Incident Overview
The armed robbery and carjacking occurred around 8:45 p.m. on Friday, January 2, at Kensington Manor Apartments, located at 170 Kensington Drive. Officers with the Spartanburg Police Department responded after receiving a report that a delivery driver had been threatened with a handgun and robbed while on duty.
The victim, who was working as an Uber Eats delivery driver, told police he had arrived near Building 15 to drop off food when the encounter unfolded.
Timeline of Events
According to the police report, the driver was approached by a man who appeared friendly and offered assistance in locating the correct apartment. Trusting the offer, the driver exited his vehicle.
At that point, the situation escalated quickly.
The suspect allegedly pulled out a handgun, placed it against the back of the victim’s head, and ordered him to stand against the car. The suspect then went through the victim’s pockets, taking his wallet and its contents.
Police say the suspect briefly took the victim’s cell phone and attempted to access a financial application, but returned the phone after failing to gain access. Moments later, the suspect got into the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene.
Details From Police
Investigators confirmed that the victim was not physically injured, though the incident left him shaken. The stolen vehicle was described as a burgundy four-door Nissan Altima with damage to the passenger-side door, a detail that helped officers later identify the suspect.
As the investigation progressed, detectives were able to identify 34-year-old Ryan Maquese Bennett, of Inman, South Carolina, as the suspect. Police say Bennett was familiar with the apartment complex where the crime occurred.
Around 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, officers located and arrested Bennett at Kensington Manor Apartments, the same location where the carjacking took place.
Bennett now faces multiple serious charges, including:
- Carjacking
- Armed robbery
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
He was booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center, where he is currently awaiting a bond hearing. Additional case details were released by police and confirmed through official department records published by the Spartanburg Police Department.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Victim: Uber Eats delivery driver
- Time: 8:45 p.m., Friday, January 2
- Location: 170 Kensington Drive, Kensington Manor Apartments
- Suspect: Ryan Maquese Bennett, 34, of Inman, SC
- Weapon: Handgun
- Stolen vehicle: Burgundy Nissan Altima
- Injuries: None reported
Safety Guidance for Delivery Drivers
Following the arrest, police emphasized the importance of situational awareness for gig workers, especially those making nighttime deliveries. Major Art Littlejohn of the Spartanburg Police Department addressed the incident and offered guidance to delivery drivers across the region.
“We encourage delivery drivers to trust their instincts, stay alert, and immediately contact 911 if they sense anything suspicious or unsafe.”
Law enforcement officials advise drivers to remain in their vehicles when possible, avoid poorly lit areas, share real-time locations with trusted contacts, and report suspicious behavior immediately. Many departments also recommend completing deliveries in pairs when feasible and avoiding offers of unsolicited help.
Conclusion
The arrest of Ryan Maquese Bennett brings a measure of closure to a frightening ordeal for the victim, but police say the case serves as a reminder of the risks delivery drivers face while working alone. As investigations continue and court proceedings move forward, authorities are urging both drivers and residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity promptly.
If you live or work in the area and have experienced similar safety concerns, your perspective matters. Share your experiences in the comments below.
