A 75-year-old veteran, Lloyd Poole, is in a coma after being allegedly punched by a DoorDash driver in Wixom, Michigan, on Dec. 28. Poole reportedly suffered serious head trauma and underwent emergency brain surgery during which part of his skull was removed. Police say the driver, Ryan Turner, admitted to the confrontation, was charged with aggravated assault and posted a $35,000 bond. DoorDash says it has permanently removed the driver and is cooperating with investigators.
75-Year-Old Veteran in Coma After Alleged Punch by DoorDash Driver Over Neighborhood Speeding
Wixom Police DepartmentDoorDash driver Ryan Turner, accused of punching 75-year-old Lloyd Poole
A 75-year-old veteran, Lloyd Poole, remains hospitalized in a coma after he was allegedly punched by a DoorDash driver in his Wixom, Michigan, neighborhood on Dec. 28.
What Happened
According to Poole's family and police reports, the veteran walked out of his driveway to tell a delivery driver he believed was driving too fast in the neighborhood. Wixom Police later identified the driver as 40-year-old Ryan Turner. Family members say Turner struck Poole, who fell, hit his head and was found unconscious in the roadway.
"Punched him right in the side of the head. My dad fell, never got up, never moved, and the DoorDash driver got back in his vehicle and drove away," Poole’s daughter, Jen Shaw, told local station WXYZ.
Medical Condition
Poole was taken to a hospital where his family reports he suffered significant head trauma, including a black eye, and required emergency brain surgery. Doctors reportedly removed part of his skull in an operation to relieve pressure on his brain. Family members say he has not regained consciousness.
Police, Charges And Company Response
Wixom Police say they were called at about 5:21 p.m. on Dec. 28 to the area of Barberry Circle and Windingway Drive after a report of a man lying unconscious in the roadway. Officers described the event as possibly stemming from a road-rage confrontation. Police say Turner went to the department, acknowledged the confrontation and told officers he felt threatened; Turner allegedly admitted to punching Poole and leaving the scene.
Turner was arrested and booked into the Oakland County Jail on one count of aggravated assault. Online records indicate he posted a $35,000 bond on Jan. 1.
In a statement to CBS News, a DoorDash spokesperson said: "What occurred was absolutely appalling and unacceptable. DoorDash has zero tolerance for violence, and we have permanently removed the individual's access to the platform. We are working with local law enforcement to support their investigation to ensure justice is served." Media outlets have reported that police and the company are cooperating with investigators.
Family Reaction
Poole’s family members have been taking shifts at his bedside and expressed deep concern about his uncertain prognosis. "You just don't know with the brain, so we're very concerned. We're really worried," Shaw told WXYZ.
Note: All allegations described in this article are based on family statements and police reports. The accused has been charged but is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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