Amazon delivery driver accused of biting Pennsylvania police officer
ZELIENOPLE, Pa. (KDKA) -- An Amazon delivery driver is facing charges after she allegedly bit a police officer while making deliveries in Butler County.
On Dec. 11, that officer was directing traffic around a broken-down car at the intersection of West Grandview Avenue and South Clay Street in Zelienople.
Amazon driver allegedly blocked intersection
The Amazon driver, later identified as 24-year-old Jaala D. Bivins, allegedly stopped in the middle of the intersection, blocking the traffic flow.
The police report said the officer approached the passenger-side cargo door where Bivins was scanning packages, and the officer told her that she needed to move the van, as they were directing traffic during rush hour.
Bivins stated she was doing her job and didn't have to move the van, according to the affidavit.
What led to the alleged bite
This affidavit describes Bivins yelling at the officer and repeatedly refusing to move the vehicle. In the affidavit, police said Bivins would not show her driver's license when asked several times and continued arguing with the officer.
The officer called for backup. According to the affidavit, officers eventually got Bivins on the ground. While trying to get her arm out from under her to handcuff her, she allegedly bit the officer's right index finger and broke the skin.
"Is that a bad guy?"
Neighbor James Bills said he heard what was going on from his home.
"My son was confused because he's five and thought Amazon drivers deliver packages and so he sees this Amazon driver getting arrested and he's like, 'Is that a bad guy? Is she going to jail?'" Bills said.
"I don't know how to respond to that, to be honest, because that's crazy," Bills said. "The guys, they're good officers, so it's unfortunate one of them got bit."
The police report said the struggle continued with two officers from Jackson Township helping to get Bivins in the patrol car. Even once they arrived at the police station, the report said she refused to leave the police vehicle. Once she did, police said she continued to resist and was taken to the floor.
Police told KDKA-TV that the case is still under investigation. KDKA-TV reached out to Amazon for a comment but has not yet heard back.
Bivins was arraigned and released on a $25,000 bail. She's expected to have a preliminary hearing on Dec. 18 at 11 a.m.