FAIRWOOD, Wash — The body of a delivery driver was found in unincorporated King County early Thursday morning, according to the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO).
Deputies responded to the Fairwood Pond Apartments for reports of a man down just before 5 a.m., according to KCSO. First responders arrived and found a 50-year-old man dead in the parking lot. It appears he was shot and killed, officials say.
A man who identified himself as Jeremy lives in the apartment complex and told KING 5 it's usually fairly quiet. He said he heard what sounded like rapid fire gunshots. When he looked out the window he saw a vehicle speed off.
Major Crime Unit detectives investigated and determined that the man was delivering packages the night before in his personal vehicle when he was involved in an altercation, according to the sheriff's office. Deputies say the shooting targeted the delivery driver.
Officials continue to investigate and anyone with information about the fatal incident is encouraged to contact 206-263-2090 or email mcutips@kingcounty.gov.
This isn’t the first driver killed on the job this year. Earlier this month a rideshare driver was shot and killed in Edmonds and last week, a cab driver was found murdered in the parking lot of Southcenter mall.
It's the latest news making other delivery workers worry for their own safety.
“It’s very concerning for myself because I know most drivers also work in the nighttime pretty late and its dangerous for them too,” said Wei Lin.
Wei Lin works as a delivery driver and rideshare driver. He said safety is a top of mind for delivery workers. Lin said when it comes to this latest murder, he can’t stop thinking about the man’s family.
“He probably is telling his family 'I’m doing OK, I have this job working extra hours' and got killed on the side," Lin said. "I can’t imagine that or think too deeply about that."
This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.