Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Stabbing Food Delivery Driver

Travis Cole pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in a 2025 incident.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 37-year-old man named Travis Cole accepted a plea deal for his involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred in September 2025 in Washington, D.C. Cole was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for allegedly stabbing a food delivery driver in the abdomen during an argument. As part of the plea deal, Cole pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, and the prosecution agreed to dismiss any greater and remaining charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges food delivery workers can face in the line of duty, as well as the importance of the criminal justice system in addressing violent crimes through plea bargaining when appropriate. The incident also raises questions about public safety and de-escalation tactics in confrontations between strangers.

The details

According to court documents, the incident occurred on September 28, 2025, on the 2700 block of Wisconsin Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. The victim was delivering food to the location when an argument broke out between him and Cole. The argument allegedly turned physical, and Cole then brandished a knife and stabbed the victim in the abdomen. A witness claimed to have seen Cole flee the scene down a nearby alley after the offense.

  • The incident occurred on September 28, 2025, at approximately 4 p.m.
  • Cole accepted the plea deal on February 17, 2026.
  • The parties are slated to reconvene on April 24, 2026, for sentencing.

The players

Travis Cole

A 37-year-old man who was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in a stabbing incident in Washington, D.C. in 2025.

Errol Arthur

The DC Superior Court Judge who presided over the case and accepted Cole's plea deal.

Adgie O'Bryant

The attorney representing Travis Cole, who asked the judge to release Cole pending sentencing due to his deep community ties.

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What’s next

The judge will determine Cole's sentence at the hearing scheduled for April 24, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the risks food delivery workers can face on the job and the importance of the criminal justice system in addressing violent crimes through plea bargaining when appropriate, while also raising questions about public safety and de-escalation tactics in confrontations between strangers.