Armed Suspects Attack DoorDash Driver Delivering Hot Wings in Essex

Two young people arrested after carjacking and assault on delivery driver

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Court records reveal details of a violent carjacking incident in Essex, Maryland, where a DoorDash driver delivering hot wings was attacked by three armed suspects. The driver was assaulted, his car keys and the food order were stolen, and his vehicle was taken. Police were eventually able to track down and detain two suspects, a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old, in Baltimore. The stolen vehicle and a handgun were recovered, but the hot wings were never found.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and dangers that delivery drivers can face, especially when transporting food late at night in potentially high-crime areas. It also raises concerns about the prevalence of carjackings and armed robberies targeting gig economy workers, as well as the need for improved safety measures and support for these vulnerable workers.

The details

According to court records, the DoorDash driver was delivering hot wings from American Wings to a home in the 1400 block of Hadwick Drive in Essex when he was attacked by three armed suspects. The suspects assaulted the driver, ripping his shirt and pistol-whipping him in the face, before stealing his car keys and the hot wings order. The suspects then fled in the driver's 2026 Honda CRV. Detectives from the Regional Auto Theft Task Force were able to track the stolen vehicle to a neighborhood in southwest Baltimore, where they detained two suspects - 19-year-old Brian Brown and a 17-year-old boy. A 9mm handgun was recovered, but the stolen hot wings were never found.

  • On the evening of February 6, 2026, the DoorDash driver was attacked and his vehicle was stolen.
  • Detectives located the stolen Honda CRV in Baltimore on February 7, 2026.

The players

Brian Brown

A 19-year-old suspect charged with armed carjacking, carjacking, armed robbery, robbery, first-degree assault, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, firearm violation, and theft.

17-year-old suspect

A juvenile suspect detained in connection with the carjacking incident.

DoorDash driver

The victim of the carjacking and assault, who was delivering hot wings from American Wings when he was attacked.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Brian Brown to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks and vulnerabilities faced by gig economy workers, such as delivery drivers, who may be targeted for robbery or carjacking, especially when transporting goods late at night in potentially high-crime areas. It highlights the need for improved safety measures and support systems to protect these workers.