Niamh Spence
Not getting a tip can be frustrating, but one pizza delivery worker has taken the lack of compensation one horrible step further.
A pizza delivery worker in Florida has been charged with attacking a customer, allegedly stabbing them 14 times after they only tipped $2.
According to a press release from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, 22-year-old pizza delivery driver Brianna Alvelo took matters into her own hands after being left disappointed with a small tip on an order.
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Delivering pizza to the Kissimmee Hotel in Florida, Alvelo handed over pizza totalling $33.10, with the victim paying $50 and asking for change. Alvelo explained that it wasn't the restaurant's policy to provide change, after which the victim asked for their money back and went to find two smaller bills. The switch meant Alvelo was left with just a $2 tip, with a witness statement from the victim to investigators stating Alvelo 'rolled her eyes and walked away without saying anything.'
The victim returned inside with her pizza order to continue celebrating with their boyfriend and her five-year-old daughter, yet they were later disturbed whilst asleep as it's alleged Alevo and an unknown male suspect broke into the room armed with a firearm.
After entering the hotel room, the male suspect forced the boyfriend into the bathroom where he smashed his phone. At this point Alvelo is believed to have been rummaging through the victim's things, whilst the victim protected her daughter.
After finding nothing of value, Alvelo is said to have turned her attention to the victim where she began stabbing her with a pocket knife, eventually leaving her with 14 stab wounds.The victim's statement alleges that Alvelo only ceased her attack after the male suspect told her it was time to leave, with the victim believing Alvelo was 'trying to kill her'.
Authorities attended the scene and the victim was taken to hospital from the scene, her injuries include a punctured lung and she learned at the hospital that she was a few weeks pregnant. The victim is now reported to be in a stable condition following the attack.
The official statement from The Osceola County Sheriff's Office explained: "It was discovered that the victim had ordered pizza from a local restaurant earlier in the evening, and Alvelo became upset about the tip she had received.
"Alvelo later returned to the victim’s motel room with an unknown male suspect, who was armed with a firearm, and forced their way into the room."
A statement from a Marco’s Pizza spokesperson to News 6 addressed the attack. It said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred. The local owner and his team are fully cooperating with local authorities, who have launched an investigation into the matter.
"The safety and well-being of customers and team members are always our top priority, and we are taking this incident very seriously."
Alvelo is being held in the Osceola County jail with bail set at $55,000 (£43,927), as investigations continue. The male suspect currently remains unidentified, and Alvelo is now facing charges of attempted murder, home invasion with a firearm, kidnapping and aggravated assault with a weapon.
The Sheriff's office added: "This was an isolated incident at this address, and the matter remains under investigation."